Guard Me
Psalm 140 was written by David when he was a member of Saul's staff. Under Saul's management, David was hated and reviled by his own King. Saul knew the Spirit had left him and God had plans to make David king in his place. In his vitriol he attacked David emotionally and physically. The attacks also played out on a national stage. I cannot imagine what David went through during those years. But I do know that our spiritual enemy attacks us just the same way.
What do we do when we face such animosity?
We pray!
Psalm 140:4–5 (ESV) Guard me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from violent men, who have planned to trip up my feet. 5 The arrogant have hidden a trap for me, and with cords they have spread a net; beside the way they have set snares for me. Selah
David survived such hardship because David was a man of prayer. He depended upon God for protection and deliverance. He pleased God by turning to Him. That's the kind of faith God is looking for from us, not the faith that expects only good things but a faith that endures through unimaginable things.
You could ask why God took so long to remove Saul and install David? After all, wouldn't that have saved David a lot of anxiety and distress? God's timing is hardly ever our timing. But David pleased God by depending on Him NO MATTER WHAT.
Psalm 140:6–8 (ESV) I say to the Lord, You are my God; give ear to the voice of my pleas for mercy, O Lord! 7 O Lord, my Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle. 8 Grant not, O Lord, the desires of the wicked; do not further their evil plot, or they will be exalted! Selah
In his hardship David declared even more determined faith. He would not give up even when everything around him seemed out of sorts. Some times you will only have your faith. It will be you and God. That's enough and that's what pleases Him (Hebrews 11:6).
It is not our achievements for God alone that bring Him glory. It is also our trust and reliance upon Him when we cannot achieve for ourselves that brings Him glory. The just shall live by faith!
Psalm 140:12–13 (ESV) I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and will execute justice for the needy. 13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name; the upright shall dwell in your presence.
David knew the Lord would maintain his cause. Sometimes when we pray, I wonder if we just give up in frustration or do we end with a firm declaration that God will come through? Let's be people of faith not just in our prayers, but how we end them! God WILL WORK for the good of those who love Him!
What do we do when we face such animosity?
We pray!
Psalm 140:4–5 (ESV) Guard me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from violent men, who have planned to trip up my feet. 5 The arrogant have hidden a trap for me, and with cords they have spread a net; beside the way they have set snares for me. Selah
David survived such hardship because David was a man of prayer. He depended upon God for protection and deliverance. He pleased God by turning to Him. That's the kind of faith God is looking for from us, not the faith that expects only good things but a faith that endures through unimaginable things.
You could ask why God took so long to remove Saul and install David? After all, wouldn't that have saved David a lot of anxiety and distress? God's timing is hardly ever our timing. But David pleased God by depending on Him NO MATTER WHAT.
Psalm 140:6–8 (ESV) I say to the Lord, You are my God; give ear to the voice of my pleas for mercy, O Lord! 7 O Lord, my Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle. 8 Grant not, O Lord, the desires of the wicked; do not further their evil plot, or they will be exalted! Selah
In his hardship David declared even more determined faith. He would not give up even when everything around him seemed out of sorts. Some times you will only have your faith. It will be you and God. That's enough and that's what pleases Him (Hebrews 11:6).
It is not our achievements for God alone that bring Him glory. It is also our trust and reliance upon Him when we cannot achieve for ourselves that brings Him glory. The just shall live by faith!
Psalm 140:12–13 (ESV) I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and will execute justice for the needy. 13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name; the upright shall dwell in your presence.
David knew the Lord would maintain his cause. Sometimes when we pray, I wonder if we just give up in frustration or do we end with a firm declaration that God will come through? Let's be people of faith not just in our prayers, but how we end them! God WILL WORK for the good of those who love Him!
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