Daily Bible Reading – April 16, 2021

Apr 16 (Daily reading: Psalms 56, 120, 140-142) These psalms are prayers that portray the desperation one can feel in life. The prayer in Psalm 142, when David was forced to live in a cave, could be a model for us when we feel desperate.

1st, David knew where he could find help: “I cry out with my voice to the LORD; With my voice I implore the LORD for compassion” (vs. 1). “I cried out to You, LORD; I said, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living” (v. 5). In the land where the living God is with us, we can say with David: “In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid” (56:11).

2nd, David acknowledged his helplessness: “I declare my trouble before Him. When my spirit felt weak within me, You knew my path …There is no escape for me; no one cares for my soul (vv. 2-4). When we have that “there is no escape” feeling, God is there!

3rd, David was specific about his needs: “Rescue me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me. Bring my soul out of prison” (vv. 6-7a). God knows our needs, “… your Father knows what you need before you ask” (Mt. 6:8), but it is still important to ask. It shows that we know how much we depend on Him!

4th, David concluded: “So that I may give thanks to Your name; the righteous will surround me, for You will look after me” (vv. 7b). We can know with David that God, Creator and Sustainer, is looking after us. We can also know that God’s help will come from the company of “the righteous” who surround us. We are blessed to be in the community of those who believe in God.

– Al Gary


Posted

in:

Tags:

Comments

Leave a Reply

Get in touch with us.