Wednesday, December 12, 2017
Daily reading assignment – Psalms 143-145
King David is the author of the three psalms assigned for today’s scripture reading, Psalms 143, 144, and 145. Psalm 143 is a penitential, sorrowful psalm; Psalm 144 and Psalm 145 are psalms of worship and praise. Although not the last of the psalms, Psalm 145 is the last of the psalms attributed to King David.
For the sake of brevity, my focus for this devotional commentary is Psalm 143.
We have seen a pattern and practice of prayer throughout David’s life. When assailed by enemies, he prayed (Psalm 13:2; 61:3). When trials came and troubles threatened to overwhelm him, he prayed (Psalm 120:1). When faced with the scourge of his own sinfulness, David called upon the Lord, confident God would hear and answer his penitent prayer (Psalm 51).
Psalm 143 continues David’s habit of prayer. Psalm 143:1-6, he prays for God’s grace in judgment (143:2) and, remembering the LORD’s works in the past (143:5), he asks Him to quench the thirst in his soul for the LORD’s presence (143:6).
Notice the personal, intimate petition of David’s prayer. The king prayed to the LORD, “Hear me (143:7)…Deliver me (143:9)…Teach me…Lead me (143:10)…Quicken me (143:11)”.
I am not sure what “trouble” David was in when he prayed, “bring my soul out of trouble” (143:11); however, he knew the only place he could go to have his soul delivered from sorrows was to the LORD (143:11b).
Perhaps you are where David was spiritually and emotionally when he prayed, “Quicken me” (143:11). Too many believers fail to follow David’s example when they are troubled. The word “Quicken” was an entreaty for the LORD to encourage, revive and restore his joy.
Friend, don’t allow your troubles to mount up and you become so overwhelm you resort to counselors, doctors, psychologists, prescription drugs, vices, and amusements… turn to the LORD, claim His promises, and pray, “Hear me (143:7)…Deliver me (143:9)…Teach me…Lead me (143:10)…Quicken me (143:11)”; after all, the LORD is jealous for His servants (143:12).
I close with promises that were David’s meditations in his final psalm (Psalm 145:18-21).
Psalm 145:18-20 –18 The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.
19 He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.
20 The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy.”
What a great God we serve!
Copyright 2017 – Travis D. Smith