As war has broken out in Europe, one hits on things in a psalm that is not as typical. For example David prays that the Lord would rescue him from those “whose mouth speak lies, whose right hands are deceptive” (v. 8,11). As I popped on social media, I see that in the comments of videos and such that everyone has a belief of whose fault it is, who is the true deceiver, which nation is speaking lies. Everyone has a side and is pointing fingers. The truth is there is deceit, lies and more on every side. Just at this point praying for peace.
David was in a season where his nation was being assaulted. He praises the Lord as his refuge and shield. Then he asks the Lord to come down in his power (v. 5-8).
Part your heavens, Lord, and come down;
touch the mountains, so that they smoke.
Send forth lightning and scatter the enemy;
shoot your arrows and rout them.
Reach down your hand from on high;
deliver me and rescue me
from the mighty waters,
from the hands of foreigners
whose mouths are full of lies,
whose right hands are deceitful.
I’m sure anyone of us who experienced siege from anyone else would want to pray this. God, please come down in your mighty power and deliver me.
Part 2 David says that he will sing to the Lord a new song. He will sing on a ten-stringed harp because the Lord is the one who gives victory to kings.
Part 3 is then the fruit of what he believes will look like when God delivers. The children will prosper, their will be food aplenty in the land and the people will have safety (v. 15).
Blessed is the people of whom this is true;
blessed is the people whose God is the Lord.
Once again we see from David a humility in his weakness (v. 7), a relentless faith in the Lord’s goodness (v. 2), and his commitment to worship the LORD for that goodness (vv. 9-11).
As the world unfolds in war and more than likely we will see more of it than we do today, we too can and must turn to God. We too must humble ourselves before him and not trust in our military might or cleverness. And we must stay in the place of praise (sometimes harder than what our flesh wants).
To be honest I’ve been so distracted, just praying in these days and times has been a challenge. I think I have internet head (have you tried reading a book lately?). But I’m getting there. And praise? It doesn’t come natural to me but it did help to bring out the guitar yesterday. Lord, help us all.
