Psalms 43

1 A Psalm of David. Judge me, O God, and discern my cause from that of a nation not holy; rescue me from a man unjust and deceitful.

God, declare that I (am innocent/have not done things that are wrong). Defend me when (ungodly people/people who do not worship you) say things against me, rescue me from people who deceive and [say things about me that are] not true.

2 For you are God, my strength. Why have you rejected me? And why do I walk in sadness, while the adversary afflicts me?

You are God, the one who protects me; (why have you abandoned me?/it seems that you have abandoned me!) [RHQ] It does not seem right that [RHQ] I am forced to mourn/cry constantly because my enemies are cruel to me.

3 Send forth your light and your truth. They have guided me and led me, to your holy mountain and into your tabernacles.

Shine your light on me and speak your truth to me; and let them guide me, and take me back to Zion, your sacred hill [at Jerusalem], and to [your temple], where you live.

4 And I will enter, up to the altar of God, to God who enlivens my youthfulness. To you, O God, my God, I will confess upon a stringed instrument.

When you do that, I will go to your altar, to [worship you], my God, who causes me to be extremely joyful. There I will praise you, the God whom I [worship], while I play my harp.

5 Why are you sad, my soul? And why do you disquiet me? Hope in God, for I will still give praise to him: the salvation of my countenance and my God.

So (why am I sad and discouraged?/I should not be sad and discouraged!) [RHQ] I confidently expect God [to bless me], and I will praise him again, my God, the one who saves me.