A Cry For Help
January 24th, 2007
India
Psalm 143 is David’s cry to God for help and guidance. . His life was endangered and he was crying out for protection and preservation. Possibly he is fleeing Saul, or Absalom, or even another enemy. It is called one of the penitential psalms, but it sounds a lot like self-vindication and indignation to me. Perhaps it’s just my 2007 ears.
Few if any of us can identify with being a king whose power is being sought by an approaching enemy. However, most of us can identify with those times of terror, when we were sure that all was hopeless and victory for the adversary was inevitable.
I have experienced such a time. There wasn’t a mighty army marching towards me, but if you could have looked inside and read my heart and mind, you’d assume there was. During this time I discovered two things about myself: I was a bigger wimp than I’d ever thought I was; but also, I knew more than I ever realized I knew. It’s been fun sharing this with people. It’s a little like “if we were stranded all alone on a deserted island with nothing, how much scripture could we recall; how many hymns and choruses could we sing?” Now I’m thinking probably more than I can recall right now. It just takes this giant whack and, boom – it’s there for you. Much of what I didn’t realize I knew has come from personal application, but much, too, has come because His servants have given their time and heart to teaching and I have reaped the riches of their labor.
So each time you take the time to share in the Lord in some manner, remember that it IS of great value; it is rooting itself somehow, somewhere in someone. I will remember with you.
Thank you Lord for saving me, for bringing me into your arms and holding me. Thank you for living in and through Your servants. They have lovingly hammered me over the years with Your truths and they’ve done a great job.