Desire the things of God;
Ask Him to lend a hand;
Desire to invest in others;
Make His Word known firsthand.
Draw Him close to them;
Desire to share the joy of free will;
Help them know He is near;
Share with them victory’s thrill.
David makes his prayer in Psalm 143 on the basis of the Lord’s righteousness because David knows that he is not perfect but flawed. His Spirit is weak because the enemy has pursued him and he hides in a cave. Therefore, he leans on God in this prayer as he remembers the past and what God has done. David spreads out his hands to God, thirsting for Him like a parched land (v. 6) and believing that God can satisfy his needs.
The basis for David’s confidence is trust in God’s unfailing love and his eagerness to serve God’s purpose. David recognized that power does not come from physical strength or military strategy, but in trusting God’s plan for his life. What God gives in a plan for life is a treasure and the more you lose yourself in this plan, the more passion you will have.
This day with God, consider His power and fear will be overcome. Desire that your thoughts are dominated by God’s uplifting Spirit and not controlled by stress or worry. Be driven by the things of God; ask for help and think of the possibilities.
David was on the run as He wrote Psalm 139-142. He was running from Saul’s men who were sent to kill him. Saul was jealous of David and saw him as a threat to his power. David is discouraged, an emotional wreck, alone, and in physical danger so he humbly goes before God in prayer for help.
We can learn from reading the Psalms the need to develop this same kind of honesty with God that David displays. There are situations we go through where our only hope is in God; when all our strength comes only from Him.
David knows he is not perfect but flawed. God had done great things for David in the past but as He writes this part of the Psalms, he’s hiding from Saul’s men in a desperate situation. Even in this situation, he still praises God.
Like David, we may face difficult days ahead but we can overcome by turning our sites on the greatness of God. Over the next few weeks, I will be posting about my journey through Psalm 143-146 and will use the questions below to help focus on each passage.
Psalm 143
On what basis does David make his prayer? What factors cause David to be thirsty for God? Summarize the basis for David’s confidence that God would answer his prayer.
Psalm 144
What symbols does David use to describe God? How does God show that He is interested in us? Contrast the power of man with the power of God.
Psalm 145
List the characteristics of God and His actions. Who and what is included under God’s compassion? How should this make a difference in the way you look at people?
Psalm 146
To what has the psalmist dedicated their life and what is their stimulus? What is the by-product of faith in God? How is eventual ruin of the wicked an encouragement to steadfastness and righteousness?
The above reading plan will be used as I share over the next few posts. It’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Him as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this day with Him amazing! At this link: God’s Plan for Us, is a post about accepting God’s plan or reaffirming our “YES” for Christ.
Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of the questions above. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Just add them to the comments or to a Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God.
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Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts
Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God. Downer Grove Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1978
First United Methodist Waco Podcast
Christ Notes
Family Times
Image Source
Photo Credit – House of Hope
In studying Psalm 141-142 last week, what I took away is that we should hope instead of Mope. We should respond to criticism with a good attitude; seeing the critique as giving valuable feedback. Then take this feedback before God in prayer with humility and let God’s power work through us.
Also given in this study are ideas on how we can have hope in times of despair. We can go to the Lord in prayer and problems can be transformed. The treasure of hope can rescue during difficulty and provide a smoother pathway to the future.
Here is a poem in which the study this week has inspired: Getting Closer to God. This week, the plan is to continue the study into Psalm 143-144. May God bless you this week!
The message last Sunday at the church I attend was titled “The Jesus Way of Community”. Pastor Steve pointed out to us that the twelve people Jesus chose to be disciples were not stars like the world today likes to choose. They were not the smartest, best looking, or most wealthy but fishermen or like Matthew the hated tax collector.
Jesus chose people from around His community; around the Sea of Galilee. They all had life stories and issues but they changed the world by first changing the area in which they lived. They would gather together, learn from each other, eat together, and pray together.
Being a part of a community is Jesus’ plan to build faith. We all face spiritual drift but there is a remedy which is to have spiritual partners who share about issues and needs. In Proverbs 27:17, we are told that as iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Jesus started something new with the disciples who grew together and changed the world.
Like the disciples, we may feel at times that we just don’t fit in but we do because Jesus has chosen each of us. He always says, “I want you to follow me.” Easter is just around the corner so between now and Easter, make it a priority to pray for those you are in contact with on a daily basis. Pray that they know how much God loves them and He has chosen them for a great purpose.
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