July 20, 2011

Psalm 143:7-12 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
Luke 10:17-24, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 2 Chronicles 9-10

Journal Entry

Scripture

7 Answer me quickly, O Lord!
 My spirit fails!
 Hide not your face from me,
lest I be like those who go down to the pit.

8 Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love,
for in you I trust.
 Make me know the way I should go,
for to you I lift up my soul.
9 Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord!
 I have fled to you for refuge!

10 Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God!
 Let your good Spirit lead me
on level ground!
11 For your name's sake, O Lord, preserve my life!
 In your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble!

Observation

Taking into context from earlier in this chapter, David continues to cry out to God because the enemy has pursued his soul and has crushed his life to the ground; he has made him sit in darkness like those long dead. (v. 3). David continues in his plea because his “spirit fails.”

Even in such duress and defeat, David has hope in knowing who God is. David trusts God will teach and lead him in the way he should go and deliver him from his enemies. Interestingly and prophetically David’s prayers are not based on his own righteousness, but God’s. (v. 2, 11)

Application

Do I really appreciate or recognize that I have direct access to God and can talk to Him at any moment in time? The creator of the universe - who holds the vast oceans in the hollow of his hand and for which all nations are like a drop in the bucket. This God loves me unconditionally because His Son has made me righteous before Him. In fact, I am called His child. Therefore, like David did, I can trust in Him with my whole life. In reality, it is not my life, but His, because I have been purchased by His Son's shed blood. It is no longer I who live but Chris who lives in me.

Prayer

Lord, let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love. Help me to trust you completely. Make me know the way I should go today and help me not to stand in Your way. Teach me to do your will and lead me by Your Spirit. I thank you because you will complete the work you began in me. May you be glorified in my thoughts, words and actions today. May praises overflow from my heart and lips.

--jyim