Psalm 43[a]

1 Vindicate me, my God,     and plead my cause     against an unfaithful nation. Rescue me from those who are     deceitful and wicked. 2 You are God my stronghold.     Why have you rejected me? Why must I go about mourning,     oppressed by the enemy? 3 Send me your light and your faithful care,     let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy mountain,     to the place where you dwell. 4 Then I will go to the altar of God,     to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the lyre,     O God, my God.

5 Why, my soul, are you downcast?     Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God,     for I will yet praise him,     my Savior and my God.