Verse
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Psalm 43:2

ESV For you are the God in whom I take refuge; why have you rejected me? Why do I go about mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
NIV You are God my stronghold. Why have you rejected me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?
NASB For You are the God of my strength; why have You rejected me? Why do I go about mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
CSB For you are the God of my refuge. Why have you rejected me? Why must I go about in sorrow because of the enemy’s oppression?
NLT For you are God, my only safe haven. Why have you tossed me aside? Why must I wander around in grief, oppressed by my enemies?
KJV For thou art the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
NKJV For You are the God of my strength; Why do You cast me off? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?

What does Psalm 43:2 mean?

Discouragement is a natural result of hardship. This verse continues a pattern of describing the psalmist's frustrations. These alternate with expressions of hope in God's eventual rescue (Psalm 43:4). In this moment of struggle, the writer's focus was on difficult circumstances instead of God. This led him to an attitude of grief and a suspicion that God had abandoned him.

A believer today may focus on adverse circumstances instead of God and be tempted to despair. Often the outlook looks bleak. Yet looking to a hopeful future with God brings comfort, hope, and joy. The writer to the Hebrews encourages believers to look "to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2). Despite persecution, the psalmist acknowledged that God was his refuge. He sheltered in God amid stormy oppression from his enemy. Believers are securely sheltered in God. Jesus said no one can tear believers from His Father (John 10:29). Paul writes that the believer's life is "hidden with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3).
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