Real-life Faith
Opening Prayer
In the morning, Lord, and any time of day or night, I know I can come and be with You! Thank You.
Read Psalm 143:1-12
[1] A psalm of David. O LORD, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief. [2] Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you. [3] The enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the ground; he makes me dwell in darkness like those long dead. [4] So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed. [5] I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. [6] I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Selah [7] Answer me quickly, O LORD; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. [8] Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. [9] Rescue me from my enemies, O LORD, for I hide myself in you. [10] Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. [11] For your name’s sake, O LORD, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble. [12] In your unfailing love, silence my enemies; destroy all my foes, for I am your servant. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
On what basis does the psalmist cry for help (1)?We know that Jesus used the Psalms as a foundation of his prayer, particularly in times of intense trouble (Mark 15:34). I wonder if he might have turned to this particular psalm during the trying days of his teaching ministry. It would have fitted in many ways: v. 8 after the storm on the lake; v. 9 when other rabbis accused him of satanic inspiration; v. 10 as he struggled to teach the demanding crowds.
I love the honesty of the Psalms. And I am grateful to David for showing us that we can tell it to God like it is, and still trust him. I do not always feel that freedom in church, to be honest. Churches often demand an “everything’s fine” mentality of us. Christian subculture prefers faith without fear. Our fears only become acceptable conversation when we have well and truly overcome them.
In this psalm, as in the story of Jesus, we see real life—tiring, uncomfortable, scary and over-demanding. And it is against this honest background real faith shines its reassuring light.
Apply
Read the psalm again and, in your imagination, illustrate it with moments from Jesus’ life and some from your own.
Closing prayer
Lord, I know everything isn’t always just fine in my life. I trust You to be there to help me.
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