Read Psalm 144
Of David.
1 Praise be to the Lord my Rock,
who trains my hands for war,
my fingers for battle.
2 He is my loving God and my fortress,
my stronghold and my deliverer,
my shield, in whom I take refuge,
who subdues peoples under me.
3 Lord, what are human beings that you care for them,
mere mortals that you think of them?
4 They are like a breath;
their days are like a fleeting shadow.
5 Part your heavens, Lord, and come down;
touch the mountains, so that they smoke.
6 Send forth lightning and scatter the enemy;
shoot your arrows and rout them.
7 Reach down your hand from on high;
deliver me and rescue me
from the mighty waters,
from the hands of foreigners
8 whose mouths are full of lies,
whose right hands are deceitful.
9 I will sing a new song to you, my God;
on the ten-stringed lyre I will make music to you,
10 to the One who gives victory to kings,
who delivers his servant David.
From the deadly sword 11 deliver me;
rescue me from the hands of foreigners
whose mouths are full of lies,
whose right hands are deceitful.
12 Then our sons in their youth
will be like well-nurtured plants,
and our daughters will be like pillars
carved to adorn a palace.
13 Our barns will be filled
with every kind of provision.
Our sheep will increase by thousands,
by tens of thousands in our fields;
14 our oxen will draw heavy loads.
There will be no breaching of walls,
no going into captivity,
no cry of distress in our streets.
15 Blessed is the people of whom this is true;
blessed is the people whose God is the Lord.
Go Deeper
The character of God is well displayed in this passage. David, who is a soldier, begins by asking his Father to train his hands for war and fingers for battle. Ephesians 6:10-20 is the exact picture of what God does for us amidst a battle. He equips us so we are able to stand against the schemes of the devil. David simply asks for God’s direction and strength to get him through battle.
David is not timid in his requests to God, but he approaches him boldly and asks things in the name of the Lord. He was after the defeat of the enemy so that the truth of God and His people would prevail. Matthew 7:7 says “Ask, and it will be given to you, seek, and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” This is a testament to who our Father is; willing to answer those who have the faith to ask. Our God is an approachable God and he never tires of hearing from us. He cares so deeply for His children that He hears their prayers and answers them.
Another highlight of our Father’s character is in verse 3. Who are we that God would be mindful of us? A perfectly holy, righteous King sees you and chooses to run after you. His resume is full of rescue and deliverance. We see in Psalm 8:4 the same statement, emphasizing that our God is a personal God, desiring a relationship with us regardless of what we have done.
While God lovingly chases after David, in return, David walks near to God as he navigates his fear of the enemy. The glue of their relationship is consistent communication. David, in boldness and faith, asks God to bless the people around him. He prays against the enemy, that God would scatter them. The victory in His name moved David to sing a new song. God had been faithful to lead David through battles and David had been faithful to look to God, recognizing that He is where his help comes from. Our God is trustworthy. He fulfills His promises to us. He is our rock and fortress, and an ever-present help in time of trouble (Psalm 46:1). And, on top of all of that, He delights in having a relationship with us.
Questions
- Read Ephesians 6:10-20. Do you practice putting on the armor of God each day?
- How will you sing a new song to Him today? Remember today what He has delivered you from and praise Him.
- In what ways could you intentionally pray blessings on the people around you?
Pray this
Father, would you help me today be aware of the enemy. May I see clearly as you hold me tenderly. I pray that in my awareness I would draw near to you with full assurance of faith. Through that faith, would you equip me with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, shoes of readiness to share the gospel of peace, the shield of faith that protects me from the evil one, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. Help me surrender to you and not turn inward into fear. I am so grateful for your son Jesus and His death on the cross. I will live and sing a new victorious song today.
3 responses to “Psalm 144”
Physically and emotionally we struggle everyday. Even with technology we all have an expiration date. Emotionally life is not easy BUT GOD is the ONLY way to endure this world. Just because we follow Jesus and have God on our side does not mean rainbows and sunshine every day. But it does mean we have one who is steadfast in His love for us. He will not leave or forsake us (Heb 13:5). His promises are yes and amen (2 Cor 1:20). We are in this world but not of this world (John 17:14-16). Life is but a twinkle of an eye (1 Cor 15:52) but all eternity is beyond vast.
Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us. 8 We are pressured in every way but not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair; 9 we are persecuted but not abandoned; we are struck down but not destroyed. 10 We always carry the death of Jesus in our body, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.
2 Corinthians 4:7-10 HCSB
God thank You for Your enduring, steadfast, beyond comprehension love. Thank You that You made a way for us to be Your sons and daughters. Thank You for Your Word that helps us to know how to fight the battles of everyday life. God even as I am pressured but not crushed, perplexed but not in despair, persecuted but not abandoned and struck down but not destroyed it is because I know who I am in Christ Jesus. Thank You for wisdom and knowledge for today and all the minutes I have left in this world. God I know who I believe in and I am persuaded that You are able to keep that which I have committed to You and will help me in these minutes of this day to be a glory and honor to You. Not for any reason other than I love You and want, desire and am earnestly endeavoring to do Your will. Thank You for breath to tell about Your great love in Jesus name amen
WOOHOO!!
“Lord, what are human beings that you care for them,
mere mortals that you think of them?” (V3).
When we assume our rightful place before holy God in humility, our posture, prospective and position shifts away from our problem and into praise of the One who blesses us with his presence and protection.
“from the hands of foreigners whose mouths are full of lies, whose right hands are deceitful.”
Interesting that this phrase is repeated twice. As I understand it, the right hand was the hand of an oath. Implying that these enemies (foreigners) made false promises. We need God’s mantle of protection when dealing with our enemies.