(Spiritual Self Talk)

Next time you hear your faith talking to itself, join the conversation and consider Psalm 43. Our heart cries out to God for these things:

Justice! (verse 1)

Vindicate me, O God,
and plead my cause against an ungodly nation;
rescue me from deceitful and wicked men.

The Message reads, "Clear my name, God; stick up for me against these loveless, immoral people."

God can protect you. Your enemies wronged you. But choose to not strike back. Where they are right, you should not oppose them; where they are wrong, God can take care of it for you.

Power! (verse 2)

For You are the God of my strength;
why have You rejected me? (NASB)

In hard times, don't loose your faith. Use it. Cling to your Lord, your true source of strength. He is there even when he seems silent.

Intimacy! (verse 3)

Send forth your light and your truth,
let them guide me;
let them bring me to your holy mountain,
to the place where you dwell.

We long to find God. God offers us more than protection and strength. He lifts us and guides us into his presence.

Joy! (verse 4)

Then will I go to the altar of God,
to God, my joy and my delight.
I will praise you with the harp,
O God, my God.

When God says, "Praise me," he is saying, "Enjoy me!" He is our source of joy.

Conclusion (Verse 5)

Why are you in despair, O my soul?
And why are you disturbed within me?
Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God.

Be honest with God. Tell him when you feel angry, abandoned, weak. He can take it.

Spiritual self talk can be healthy. Talk to yourself, faith to faith.

Gary and Jennifer Williams
Florence Bible School
Italy

(Thanks to our brother in Christ, Aldo Mililli, a postman in Catania, Sicily, who drew this psalm to our attention last week.)