Vindicated in God's Eyes

Read Psalm 43

Psalm 43:1-2

1 Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause against an ungodly people, from the deceitful and unjust man deliver me!

² 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?

With fear and trepidation I hit "call" on my cell phone. The church was going through a difficult season and a few members were very upset with decisions the elders of the church had made. As the senior pastor it was my responsibility to pick up the phone to try and make amends. But this specific phone call was to a gentlemen who fiercely opposed what was taking place in the church and I knew the conversation was not going to be easy.

With each ring of the phone I became more anxious. All I could do was take a deep breath and pray for the Holy Spirit to give me the right words to say.

When the man picked up and heard my voice on the other end his tone immediately shifted to anger, and our conversation never stood a chance. I was still early in my time as a senior pastor and in many ways I was learning on the job. Nothing can truly prepare you for being the God-appointed leader of a church. I had served as a full-time youth pastor for 11 years, but this role was different...and especially on phone calls like this where I felt like I was on an island. The man's tone put me on the defensive and I reacted poorly. I did not represent the church or the Lord well.

Nothing went right on that phone call. And even though I knew the original intent of me calling was for a good purpose, my defensive attitude on the phone only gave fuel to this man's belief that I was not mature enough or equipped to be a pastor.

It was clear when the call ended that I would no longer be this man's pastor, and to be honest, I was so shaken by the experience that I truly wondered why anyone would want me to be their pastor.

The whole thing broke my heart and nearly broke my spirit. I went into a room by myself and sobbed. I remember crying out to God and saying that I had never wanted to be a pastor in the first place, and I certainly didn't want to be in a position to make decisions in a church anymore! If this was what my life in ministry was going to be like then I didn't want it.

Even though the event was nearly 10 years ago I still get a little choked up when I think about it. There was no miraculous moment where God showed up in this story and saved the day, but I can tell you this, I knew God was with me...and when I look back I can see that God was just holding me and letting me "vent"as I let my unfiltered thoughts pour out of my mouth.

God knew that in time vindication would come...

This brings me to the healing words of Psalm 43. The Psalmist cries out to God for vindication in the face of false accusations by an enemy. If you live long enough you will know what this feels like, especially if you try to stand for biblical truth and live a life that is pleasing to the Lord.

Yes, the attacks will come. Yes, they may hurt. Yes, they may be unfair. But don't lose heart.

That's why it is common to hear Psalm 43 read aloud in churches during the Easter season. Jesus experienced hurtful words and attacks, and the road to Calvary was paved with unfairness. Jesus knows how it feels.

Who can't relate to the opening words in verse 1? "Vindicate me, O God!" I can relate, can you?

Understand this, my friend, all that matters in this life and into eternity is that you be vindicated in the eyes of the Lord. Live your life to be right in His eyes. When you do that, trust that He will vindicate you in due time.

Josh Huisman is the senior pastor of Crosswalk Church in Brentwood, TN.

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