The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in Psalm 141:4,9,
"Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil so that I take part in wicked deeds along with those who are evildoers; do not let me eat their delicacies… Keep me safe from the traps set by evildoers, from the snares they have laid for me."
David implores the Lord to save him from the potential of his own sinfulness as well as threats perpetrated by others. If nothing else, David is mindful that this life is laiden with dangers, both within and without. Here he feels danger and seeks the Lord's help.
As far as looking to the Lord for help in dealing with the danger of his own internal potential for sin, I am reminded of his words in Psalm 139:23-24, "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
We all have an abiding sinful nature that lurks within each one of us. That sinful nature has the potential to take us in directions we really do not want to go in. As a man who held the Lord in a magnificent reverence, and who also felt that potential for sin, he got "real" before the Lord, confessed his shortcomings, and sought the Lord's help to withstand the promptings of that sinful nature.
In addition to recognizing his own sinful nature as he looked to the Lord for help, David sought protection from enemies that confronted him, "Keep me safe from the traps set by evildoers, from the snares they have laid for me. Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by in safety." We find much the same concern in Psalm 139:19-22, "If only you, God, would slay the wicked! Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty! They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name. Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord, and abhor those who are in rebellion against you? I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies."
Anyone who embraces the Lord in faith will have enemies. John warns believers, "Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you." 1 John 3:13.
This life is full of danger but we are not alone. David shows us the way. Those of us who have availed ourselves of the offer of eternal life from the Lord also have him as a sure and steady protection from dangers that lurk both within and without.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
"Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil so that I take part in wicked deeds along with those who are evildoers; do not let me eat their delicacies… Keep me safe from the traps set by evildoers, from the snares they have laid for me."
David implores the Lord to save him from the potential of his own sinfulness as well as threats perpetrated by others. If nothing else, David is mindful that this life is laiden with dangers, both within and without. Here he feels danger and seeks the Lord's help.
As far as looking to the Lord for help in dealing with the danger of his own internal potential for sin, I am reminded of his words in Psalm 139:23-24, "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
We all have an abiding sinful nature that lurks within each one of us. That sinful nature has the potential to take us in directions we really do not want to go in. As a man who held the Lord in a magnificent reverence, and who also felt that potential for sin, he got "real" before the Lord, confessed his shortcomings, and sought the Lord's help to withstand the promptings of that sinful nature.
In addition to recognizing his own sinful nature as he looked to the Lord for help, David sought protection from enemies that confronted him, "Keep me safe from the traps set by evildoers, from the snares they have laid for me. Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by in safety." We find much the same concern in Psalm 139:19-22, "If only you, God, would slay the wicked! Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty! They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name. Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord, and abhor those who are in rebellion against you? I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies."
Anyone who embraces the Lord in faith will have enemies. John warns believers, "Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you." 1 John 3:13.
This life is full of danger but we are not alone. David shows us the way. Those of us who have availed ourselves of the offer of eternal life from the Lord also have him as a sure and steady protection from dangers that lurk both within and without.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
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