Today’s Tasting: Psalms 56, 120, and 140–142: These are a portion of Israel’s and David’s songs and prayers to the Lord while they were in distress, danger, discouragement, and despondency.
Psalm 56 is David’s song when he was captured by the Philistines in Gath. “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid” (verses 3–4).
“This I know, that God is for me. In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid … I will render thank offerings to you” (verses 9b–12).
Psalm 120 is known as a Song of Ascents, a pilgrim song that the people of Israel sang when they journeyed to Jerusalem to worship: “In my distress I called to the Lord and he answered me” (verse 1).
Psalms 140 and 141 are David’s songs. “Deliver me, O Lord, from evil men; preserve me from violent men …You are my God … O Lord, my Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle … Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name; the upright shall dwell in your presence” (140:1, 6–7, 13).
“O Lord, I call upon you; hasten to me! Give ear to my voice when I call to you! Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice! Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips! Do not let my heart incline to any evil … But my eyes are turned toward you, O God, my Lord; in you I seek refuge” (141:1–4, 8).
Psalm 142 is David’s prayer while he was in a cave. “With my voice I cry out to the Lord; with my voice I plead for mercy to the Lord. I pour out my complaint before him; I tell my trouble before him … You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living … that I may give thanks to your name!” (verses 1–2, 5, 7).
Today’s Nourishment: We may take these songs and prayers for our own life and circumstances. With your voice, call upon Him; with your voice, cry out to the Lord; with your voice, pour out your complaints and troubles to him, like David did. The Lord is your refuge. Give thanks to His name! Which Psalm heralds your song or prayer today?
Tomorrow’s Delight: 1 Samuel 25–27
Carolyn Marlowe, CCLC
Gigi to six adorable grandchildren
I choose Psalm 142: Lord, I pour out my complaints to you; I tell you my troubles. You are my refuge to whom I run. You are my portion, not land, not material possessions, nor acceptance from others. I thank You and Your Name that is above all things, people, and places. Jesus, your name is my refuge. I come to you today and put my trust in YOU!
Psalm 141: 1-4, 8. Lord set a guard over my mouth.
I like and agree for that verse for me too, June.
For me it was Ps 56- Fears in the midst of trials. I’ve had some trials lately that have had me discouraged and the enemy has tried to bring on fear. Verses 9-11 When I cry out to You, then my enemies will turn back, this I know, because God is for me. In God I will praise His word. In The Lord I will praise His Word. In God I have put my trust, I will not be afraid, what can man do to me? This really spoke to me and lifted me up. I know that I know I can trust in The Lord, for He truly is for me, thank You Father!