June 25
2 Kings 8:1-9:13
Acts 16:16-40
Psalm 143:1-12
Proverbs 17:26
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. -- Psalms 143:10
Psalm 143 begins with David asking the Lord to listen to his plea, initially, this psalm comes across as a cry for help to the Father, but there is much more depth to be discovered. Throughout history church leaders and scholars have categorized Psalm 143 as the last of the seven Penitential Psalms, otherwise understood as the Psalms of Confession. David begins by recognizing the importance of God's faithfulness and righteousness, stating that no one alive will ever be righteous in comparison to Him. David stresses his understanding that it is hopeless to be brought to judgment, knowing that no one will pass the test of righteousness in the sight of God, no one on earth is 'good'. David recognizes himself as a servant to the Lord and understands that his hope is in the Lord's commitment to His promises and not from any standard that comes from himself. Nothing we can do will ever make us good or righteous when brought before God.
David lifts his worries to God and confesses that his enemies have gotten to him, beating down his spirit. He explains that he is living in darkness, he is weak, and his heart is in distress. The Lord knows all, and He understands that the road is long and it will be rough, but we should always rejoice and turn to Him. God wants us to lift our praises and our worries to Him, by doing so we show our trust in Him. David dwells on the "days of old", and reflects on God's work through his life, and faithfully lifts his worries to God. Like David, we too must lift our praises and our worries to God, we must confess not only our sins but confess when our spirit feels low, when our cups are feeling empty, we must seek God for our strength.
"I am like parched land before you." - Psalm 143:6. I find this analogy so fitting. Parched land is desperate for water, unable to grow, and unable to help the needs of others. Without God, we are like parched land, we will be desperate for sustenance (truth, love, salvation), we won't be able to properly grow, nor will we be able to help those around us. David continues by expressing his trust in the Lord, his faith to follow the Lord's commands, and his humility to seek the Lord for his protection. David wants nothing more than for God to lead him, to transform his heart and mind, all to bring God glory. David's hope is to be delivered and he trusts in God's righteousness.
While reading this passage, Psalm 14 and Romans 3 came to mind. Psalm 14:1-3 says, "There is no one who does good. The Lord looks down from heaven on the human race to see if there is one who is wise, one who seeks God. All have turned away; all alike have become corrupt. There is no one who does good, not even one." In Romans 3, Paul references Psalm 14, and further explains, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. God presented him as the mercy seat by his blood, through faith, to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his restraint God passed over the sins previously committed. God presented him to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so that he would be just and justify the one who has faith in Jesus." -- Romans 3:23-26
As Christians we must understand that by no means of ourselves are we or will we ever be capable of being good or moral, it is by the blood of Christ, through our faith in Him, through our walk and obedience, that we are justified. Let us not be boastful in ourselves, casting judgment on others who we deem to be less than, for we are all equally sinners. Let us spread our hands out to God, praise the work of His hands, trust Him, go to Him for strength and protection, learn from His will, obey His commands, and follow His lead. For His name's sake, let us live as servants of the Lord.
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