I Need to be Concerned About Others

Posted on 11. Feb, 2010 by Jim Peters in Hearing God - Jim's Daily D

Psalm 59:1-9

Written by King David – For the Choir Director
A Mikhtam[1] – (to the tune of)[2] Al-tashheth (which means “Do not Destroy” – It was written) when Saul sent men to watch (David’s) house so they could kill him.

 1 My God, rescue me from my enemies.

Lift me high (away from those who) rise up (against me).

2 Rescue me from those who make trouble.

Save me from men (who shed) blood.

3 See! They have set up an ambush (to take) my life.

The strong stir up trouble against me,

(But not because) of my rebellion or (what) I have done wrong Lord.

4 They run and set (themselves) up (against me) without me being guilty.

Wake up and help me! See (what they’re doing)!

5 You, Lord, God of the armies, Israel’s God,

Wake up and punish all the nations!

Show no mercy to any (that are) deceitful and wicked.

[Stop and think about that!][3]

 

6 They return at sunset and growl like a dog;

They go around the city,

7 Look, their mouths speak profusely,

Their lips are swords (and they say,) “Who hears?”

8 But Lord, you laugh at them,

You ridicule all the nations.

 

9 I will wait on you and your strength

And God, you are my fort.

[1] “probably a poetical or musical term” [2] “according to” [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.

Application

Once again, I need to get a grip of the circumstances that David is writing under to fully comprehend his trust in God and understand how he had a vision beyond himself.  David starts out asking for protection from the men who have come to kill him but is quickly diverted to pray for God’s justice over the nations.

My situation might be bad and it is perfectly acceptable to bring it before God and ask for his help. However, what I see in this psalm, as with many others, is that I also need to be concerned with the plight of other people and with bringing down wickedness outside my immediate environment.

I need to recognise that, even though the situation might be critical from a human perspective, it’s under God’s control.  God just laughs at events and even nations that think they will prosper in their evil plans.

Since God is in control and there is nothing outside his dominion and power, I have nothing to fear.  There’s no bad thing that can happen to me that the Lord hasn’t allowed for good.  Every single thing in my life is an opportunity for God to work his power and bring his will to pass.  I don’t have to strive, stress or worry because Jesus accomplished everything on the cross so that I can live in peace and joy.

Prayer

Father, when circumstances start harassing me, please remind me that I am your child and that you have everything under control.  My desire is to please you and I have big goals that I think are from you.  However, Lord, I surrender all these things to you.  I ask you to open doors of opportunity and lock doors where you don’t want me to go.  I ask that you show me how to live your way and be ethical and truthful in every situation.  I ask that you will provide for all my needs, particularly those that seem so impossible in the natural, and I thank you that you are always good to me.

IJN Amen

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