Faith Amidst Turmoil!

Posted on 17. Jul, 2010 by Jim Peters in Hearing God - Jim's Daily D

Psalm 140

Written by King David – For the Choir Master

 

1 Lord, rescue me from wicked people;

Keep me from violent men.

2 Who think up wickedness in their minds[1]

And stir up war all the time.

3 They sharpen their tongues like snakes

And a poisonous snake’s venom is under their lips

[Stop and think about that!][2]

 

4 Lord, guard me from wicked (people’s) hands;

And keep me from violent people

Who plan (ways) to make my feet stumble.

5 Proud (people) have hidden a trap and ropes for me;

They have spread out their net on the track

And put out the bait (to trap me).

[Stop and think about that!][3]

 

6 I said to the Lord, “You’re my Mighty God.

Lord, listen to my voice pleading for mercy.

7 Lord, Master and Owner, the strength (that) saves me,

You have protected my head in the day of battle.

8 Lord, don’t give wicked (people what) they long for;

Don’t let his evil plan go out and rise up.”

[Stop and think about that!][4]

 

9 As for the leader[5] of (those who) surround me,

Let the trouble from their lips cover them.

10 Let burning coals drop on them;

Let them be thrown into the fire,

Into a deep water filled pit where they cannot rise up.

11 Don’t let a person (with a loose) tongue[6] be established on earth;

May evil hunt down the violent man and keep pushing on him.[7]

 

12 I know the Lord will work on oppressed (person’s) cause

And (bring) justice for the poor and needy (person).

13 The just will certainly thank your name;

(Those who do) right will live in your presence.

 

[1] “inner being/heart/mind”  [2] The word used here is “Selah”.  It is most probably a musical term indicating the end of a verse and can be translated as “Pause.”  It is also a possibility that it could indicate for the reader to stop and think about what has just been read.  [3] The word used here is “Selah”.  It is most probably a musical term indicating the end of a verse and can be translated as “Pause.”  It is also a possibility that it could indicate for the reader to stop and think about what has just been read.  [4] The word used here is “Selah”.  It is most probably a musical term indicating the end of a verse and can be translated as “Pause.”  It is also a possibility that it could indicate for the reader to stop and think about what has just been read.  [5] “head”  [6] “man/person of tongue”  [7] “evil hunt violence man/person thrust”

Application

Even after dozens of his psalms I don’t think I ever quite get used to David’s judgement on people.  He seems to have spent most of his time during the period of writing of his psalms fearing for his life and running from the enemy.  And yet, he never loses faith in his God, who he knows will protect him and save him.

I need to be in awe of God in the way that David was.  I need to recognise that God is my source and my help and that nothing or no one else will cut it.  I’m only here because of God’s grace.  He alone is the strength that saves me and keeps me.

God is on the good side.  Even though things may look wrong from time to time.  It’s God’s enemy who presents me with that scene of hopelessness, not God.  God is working on my cause and I need to know and express how God is putting his good plan together.

I might not pray that God will strike people down so that they never get up, however, I certainly need to be taking authority over spiritual enemies that are coming to trip me and others up.  I need to tell them to go in Jesus’ name.  I also need to recognise that temptations and the enemy often, more often than not, use people to do their work.  Therefore, I need to ensure I’m not one of those enemy controlled people by being in right standing with God, filled and led by the Holy Spirit.  I also need to have discernment and say no when temptation comes.

Prayer

Father, you are my strength and my protection.  Please fill my mind with your word and Holy Spirit fill me and lead me in every situation.  Lord give me discernment.  Let me know when there is danger and please show me the way out.  If I delay, please kick me out.  Lord I offer everything I am and have to you.  It’s my desire to please you.

IJN Amen

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