SCRIPTURE: Psalm 69:1-18
OBSERVATION:
It seems that David is guilty of shameful sin (v.5) and he is now experiencing the humiliation and despair that go with that.
He is personally, emotionally, spiritually drowning, and his enemies are delighting in his shame, forcing him to endure even more shame than he deserves (v.4).
He is concerned that other believers will be shamed because of his folly, guilt and torment (v.6).
Despite his shame and despair, he does not give up hope (though he is tired of crying out to God for mercy), he continues to pray for the Lord for rescue.
The disciples thought of this Psalm (v.9) when Jesus cleared the temple (John 2:13-17).
APPLICATION:
The imagery of sinking is very powerful, I have personally experienced this feeling of being overwhelmed like this.
The Lord allows us to go through times when it feels like we are sinking – like Jonah – in order that we will despair of our own strength and lean on Him for help (see 2 Corinthians 1:8-11).
Am I this persistent when I am in crisis, or do I tend to give up too quickly, to despair of God’s help?
Do I realize that my sin is part of the problem, that my sinful choices or responses (like David’s) are a part the reason why I am sinking?
I hear the Lord gently challenging me to consider where I turn to for hope and for help, do I cling to Him even when the going gets tough?
PRAYER:
Lord, I admit that I am impatient, and that I often whine or grumble sooner than I cling to You for hope. Thank You for David’s example, and I do as again that You will help me walk through this particular time of personal struggle. Amen.
During his time of troubles , David knows His help is the Lord, since he cries out to the Lord to save him. It seems that God does not hear since his eyes fail in looking for God. David prays that his actions may not harm, not be a barrier for other believers. Even though David is mocked, he continues in prayer because his hope is in his Redeemer. He remains steadfast in the Rock of his salvation.
This Psalm reminds me that in my daily walk, I must walk with Him because He is my all in all. In my joys and in my sorrows, I need prayerfully live each day with Him for He is my refuge and tower of strength. It is only by His mercy that I am able to walk with Him every day. I must be like a David, a hero of the faith, who knows that His Redeemer lives, in times when I feel, sense, see, experience His blessings but also when the days a bleak, dark, lonely, painful,. Oh Lord, be my Rescuer each day anew.