Psalm 43:5
“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me?”
When the world feels crooked and noisy, the psalmist prays bluntly: “Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me.”
This is not a passive wish—it is a directional prayer. Light reveals a path; truth clarifies our steps. Still, the soul dips low. Twice the poet asks, “Why are you cast down, O my soul?”—and answers with stubborn hope. Honest lament and resilient praise can share one mouth. We can feel big and complicated things at the same time. We can pray honestly and boldly when we need to be rescued from the cruel and un-loving world.
Light a candle (or turn on a phone flashlight) and say, “Guide me.” Then ask your soul three simple questions: What am I feeling? What do I need? What is one next faithful step? Write it down. When discouragement returns, rehearse the refrain: “I let Love’s light and truth lead me.”
—Libby Tedder Hugus