Read: Psalm 31:9-16
Who is David? David, the son of Jesse, a shepherd boy who became Israel’s third king. He is the most frequently mentioned human in the Old Testament, and the second most frequently mentioned human in the entire Bible (only Jesus Christ is mentioned more). David is described as a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22).
David was far from perfect, but his faith and zeal made him the standard against which all Israel’s future kings would be measured. This is evident in Psalm 31:9-16 as we read David’s cries and petitions to God for relief from fear, and an increase in mercy and grace. He is in a state of mental distress and has a fear of physical danger. He’s feeling distress, grief, soul and body affected, sorrow, and misery, he is aware of a feeling of being an outcast amongst his friends and a scheme to harm him. How very fitting is Psalm 31:9-16 for a time such as this. The world seems to have turned itself upside down as laws to protect, monies for the poor, education, and distrust of political and church leaders abound.
It is in Psalm 31:14-16 that David remembers what his testimony has been as he wrestles with this one. He begins verse 14 with “But I trust in you, O Lord, I say, “You are my God.” And he ends with verse 16s request “…save me in your steadfast love.” I believe that David remembers the goodness, protection, and “steadfast” love of God because he does cry out to God about his troubles, anxiety, worries both big and small.
We often forget the pebble in our way or the small nuances of life that we have been rescued from, brought through, or going through. Let us remember not only the mountain-top moments, the sunken, and empty feeling found in the valley where that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit carried us through. Remember during this Lenten season and beyond that God’s steadfast love is, has and always will be available to you. Just call on him.
Father God, praise, and thanks for all you have done, are doing and will do to reconcile us to you as our creator. We are anxious in mind, body and spirit at times, just like David in Psalm 31:9-16. Remind us that we are steadied by your steadfast love for each of us. Renew our belief that the world will never be more than you can control. Ignite us that we are filled with your works and call on each of our lives to be disciples for Christ. You are our God! And we rejoice in the awareness of Jesus’ preparation and commitment to all of us. Behold the only sacrificial lamb without blemish or sin, our redeemer. We believe in the risen Christ who sitteth at your right hand in glory with you. Father God, Christ Jesus. and the Holy Spirit reside within each of us. Lord hear our prayer! Amen.
Latitia Felus
Certified Lay Minister
Who is David? David, the son of Jesse, a shepherd boy who became Israel’s third king. He is the most frequently mentioned human in the Old Testament, and the second most frequently mentioned human in the entire Bible (only Jesus Christ is mentioned more). David is described as a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22).
David was far from perfect, but his faith and zeal made him the standard against which all Israel’s future kings would be measured. This is evident in Psalm 31:9-16 as we read David’s cries and petitions to God for relief from fear, and an increase in mercy and grace. He is in a state of mental distress and has a fear of physical danger. He’s feeling distress, grief, soul and body affected, sorrow, and misery, he is aware of a feeling of being an outcast amongst his friends and a scheme to harm him. How very fitting is Psalm 31:9-16 for a time such as this. The world seems to have turned itself upside down as laws to protect, monies for the poor, education, and distrust of political and church leaders abound.
It is in Psalm 31:14-16 that David remembers what his testimony has been as he wrestles with this one. He begins verse 14 with “But I trust in you, O Lord, I say, “You are my God.” And he ends with verse 16s request “…save me in your steadfast love.” I believe that David remembers the goodness, protection, and “steadfast” love of God because he does cry out to God about his troubles, anxiety, worries both big and small.
We often forget the pebble in our way or the small nuances of life that we have been rescued from, brought through, or going through. Let us remember not only the mountain-top moments, the sunken, and empty feeling found in the valley where that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit carried us through. Remember during this Lenten season and beyond that God’s steadfast love is, has and always will be available to you. Just call on him.
Father God, praise, and thanks for all you have done, are doing and will do to reconcile us to you as our creator. We are anxious in mind, body and spirit at times, just like David in Psalm 31:9-16. Remind us that we are steadied by your steadfast love for each of us. Renew our belief that the world will never be more than you can control. Ignite us that we are filled with your works and call on each of our lives to be disciples for Christ. You are our God! And we rejoice in the awareness of Jesus’ preparation and commitment to all of us. Behold the only sacrificial lamb without blemish or sin, our redeemer. We believe in the risen Christ who sitteth at your right hand in glory with you. Father God, Christ Jesus. and the Holy Spirit reside within each of us. Lord hear our prayer! Amen.
Latitia Felus
Certified Lay Minister