AN APPEAL FOR DELIVERANCE AND GUIDANCE—A Psalm of David
OUR PERSONAL REFLECTION: We cannot stand worthy before God on our own because of the sinful nature we possess. But God is faithful and just. In His lovingkindness to His people, we can find our refuge in Him. We must continue in an attitude of perseverance in prayer, patiently waiting and trusting for His timing to answer our prayers. We must remain faithful awaiting His guidance. We must maintain a teachable spirit, who trusts in the faithfulness and righteousness of God.
[BIBLE READING: PSALM 143] Hear my prayer, O Lord, Give ear to my supplications! In Your faithfulness answer me, and in Your righteousness. 2 Do not enter into judgment with Your servant, for in Your sight no one living is righteous. 3 For the enemy has persecuted my soul; He has crushed my life to the ground; He has made me dwell in darkness, like those who have long been dead. 4 Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me; My heart within me is distressed. 5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I muse on the work of Your hands. 6 I spread out my hands to You; My soul longs for You like a thirsty land. Selah 7 Answer me speedily, O Lord; My spirit fails! Do not hide Your face from me, lest I be like those who go down into the pit. 8 Cause me to hear Your loving kindness in the morning, for in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You. 9 Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies; In You I take shelter. 10 Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness. 11 Revive me, O Lord, for Your name’s sake! For Your righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble. 12 In Your mercy cut off my enemies, and destroy all those who afflict my soul; For I am Your servant.
In v. 1-2 David’s cry to God is one for requesting mercy for his unrighteous state. The same as is with all of men. Here David does not repent of any individual sin. He appeals to God’s fairness and faithfulness to withhold judgement of him.
In v. 3-4 David is in extreme distress, which he proclaims to the Lord. In Psalm 142, he tells of his persecution at the hand of his enemies. David is in darkness, as he has literally been running for his life and now is forced to stay in a cave. He likens this darkness to being like one who is dead. He is overwhelmed in spirit and his heart is distressed.
In v. 5-6 David is remembering the rejoicing in the Temple and the happiness of being in the presence of the Lord. He remembers these happy days and cries out for them again. David is in great longing for the Lord, and he cries out to Him to answer his prayer.
In v. 7-8 David proclaims that he feels like the dead to be separated from God. He is failing and begs God to answer him quickly and “do not hide Your face from me”. Through his distress, David holds on to the trust he has in the lovingkindness of God to His people. He is still trusting that God will guide him in his walk as he prays for this intervention in his life.
In v. 9-10 David prays for deliverance from his enemies. He cites God as his refuge and as the God whom he trusts. He asks for guidance and to be taught to do the will of God and to walk in His ways. David acknowledges the goodness of God whom he trusts to answer his fervent prayers and lead him to safety.
In v. 11-12 David has not yet received the answers to his prayers. He does not lose faith, but continues in an attitude of trust in the Lord. He states his case to the Lord for restoration and mercy. David awaits the Lord’s response and continues to pray for victory over his enemies, the source of his present distress. David declares himself to be a servant of the Lord, he has confidence in the Lord’s Righteousness.
This daily Equip Devotional has been provided by Rev. Marie Parma as we take time this Holy season in anticipation of the celebration of Resurrection Sunday.
Let us pray…
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