What is Man that God is Mindful of Him?
Psalm 144:3-4 “LORD, what are human beings that you care for them, mere mortals that you think of them? They are like a breath; their days are like a fleeting shadow.”
What is it that God desires from us? We cannot do anything for God. He has all He needs and the ability to create whatever He chooses. We are like a breath, formed from the dust and to dust we return. We are here and gone with little, if anything, to remind others of our time here. . Yet…
When God created us, He made us in His image. Genesis 1:27 “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” Praise God for His creativity and His willingness to allow us to be image-bearers. It is a great privilege that we often don’t recognize. Pray that our sons and daughters recognize that and are awed by God’s design.
What are “mere mortals that you think of them?” Yet, God did think of us, long before we were born. Romans 8:29: "Because those whom He foreknew, He also predestinated to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the Firstborn among many brothers;”. He knew who would bow to His Lordship. He knew who would embrace the cross. He made a way for us to be reconciled to Him despite the death and separation that sin brought. He thought of us, and made a way and in that way we would be conformed to His likeness. Pray that our sons and daughters would understand God’s great love and His plan of redemption. Pray that they would realize that long before the world began, God thought of them and was preparing a way.
“They are like a breath, their days are like a fleeting shadow” James 4:14 “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” So what are we doing with our lives? While we are here, our task is to live like Jesus. And if we are believers in Jesus, we are being transformed into His likeness by the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. 2 Corinthians 3:18 “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” Pray that our sons and daughters are sensitive to the work of the Holy Spirit and that they are obedient to His prompting and leading in their lives- making them more and more like Jesus.
I John 1:1-3 “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.”
One day we will see Jesus and stand in His presence and all of our purpose, all of our being will be brought into clarity. God’s design is that our brief life here is just a shadow of what will come. We will transition to an eternity in His presence, if we align our hearts with Him. And when we do, we receive the most amazing reward.
So when the Psalmist asks, “What are human beings that You care for them?” We can answer with assurance that we are His image-bearers, His children on whom He lavishes great love. We are those He knew long before He created the world and we are His heirs for whom He’s created an eternal home for us to live in His presence.
Pray that our sons and daughters realize their worth. Pray that they understand that there is so much more to our eternal souls than what we experience in this short, temporal earthly life. Pray that they will have an eternal perspective and will live in such a way that they reflect Jesus to those around them. Though this life is a breath and will fade, one day we will wake and find ourselves in eternity, our bodies whole, our minds sound and our souls filled with inexpressible joy and hope because we’ll be standing right where God intended us to, by His side in eternity. His heirs, His children, His image-bearers by His side and we’ll all be able to say “You look just like your Father!”
Pray without ceasing, friends. God is working.
Who is Your Rock?
Psalm 144:1-2 “Of David. “Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. 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.””
The tagline of a well-known insurance carrier’s new commercial is “Who’s your Rock?” The assumption is that if you contract with them for insurance, they will be that rock and steady anchor in any catastrophic life event. An insurance company can promise something like that, but whether they can deliver and actually be your “rock”, is unlikely.
We often hear others refer to someone who is significant in their life as their ‘rock’. “Oh, without (so-and-so) I wouldn’t have made it, they’re my rock!” While it’s valuable to have those relationships that help hold us steady in difficult times, we must be careful not to put such heavy expectations on others, nor throw all of our hope onto someone who is just as human as we are.
David was the King of Israel. He was lauded for his bravery in battle. He commanded thousands and was renowned for his power, his victories and for the Lord being on his side. Who was his rock? The Lord. None other. He knew that throughout all of his battles, his interpersonal conflicts, his fall from grace through deep sin and his humble restoration, no other could ever sustain him like the Lord could. And he would depend on no other.
Who do our sons and daughters ultimately look to for stability, strength and security? Is it a spouse? A child? A boss? Relationships are so very important and God values them...but when everything is stripped away, what remains? God. He alone remains when all is stripped away.
Can we pray today that our sons and daughters reach out to the Lord? Let’s pray that God gives them clear, unobstructed views of His power and protection and that He alone is the One they need to look to for deliverance.
“Praise be to you LORD. You are my Rock and I pray that You would be (name)’s rock too. You train our hands for war to confront the spiritual battles and the deception of the enemy. You make my fingers, my mind, my heart ready for battle. You are our loving God and our fortress. I pray that (name) would recognize that and run to you for protection and keeping. You are the stronghold and our deliverer in any conflict or battle. You will shield us and keep us safe. Again, Lord, open (name)’s eyes and heart to Who You are and what you provide for them daily. Don’t let them look aside to another who would promise things they cannot deliver. Only You have the strength and power to deliver. You are our shield, in whom we can take refuge, You subdue peoples[ under us and bring peace to our lives and solace to our hearts. Lord, I pray that (name) would recognize and claim You as their rock, always. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Pray without ceasing.
Sunday Worship- A Sovereign Protector
A SOVEREIGN protector I have
Unseen, yet for ever at hand,
Unchangeably faithful to save,
Almighty to rule and command.
He smiles, and my comforts abound;
His grace as the dew shall descend,
And walls of salvation surround
The soul he delights to defend.
Kind author and ground of my hope,
Thee, Thee for my God I avow;
My glad Ebenezer* set up,
And own Thou hast helped me till now.
I muse on the years that are past,
Wherein my defense Thou hast proved;
Nor wilt Thou relinquish at last
A sinner so faithfully loved.
Inspirer and hearer of prayer,
Thou Shepherd and Guardian of Thine,
My all to Thy covenant care
I sleeping and waking resign.
If Thou art my Shield and my Sun,
The night is no darkness to me;
And, fast as my moments roll on,
They bring me but nearer to Thee.
https://hymns.countedfaithful.org/hymn.php?hymnNumber=566&versionNumber=0
Praying Psalm 143
Today, lets pray through Psalm 143, verse by verse. Put in the names of our sons and daughters, or the loved ones who need rescue or encouragement. Don’t rush through, we need to take our time and let God’s word sink in deeply. Pray and be refreshed.
Psalm 143
Lord, hear my prayer,
listen to my cry for mercy;
in your faithfulness and righteousness
come to my relief.
Do not bring your servant into judgment,
for no one living is righteous before you.
The enemy pursues me,
he crushes me to the ground;
he makes me dwell in the darkness
like those long dead.
So my spirit grows faint within me;
my heart within me is dismayed.
I remember the days of long ago;
I meditate on all your works
and consider what your hands have done.
I spread out my hands to you;
I thirst for you like a parched land.
Answer me quickly, Lord;
my spirit fails.
Do not hide your face from me
or I will be like those who go down to the pit.
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
for to you I entrust my life.
Rescue me from my enemies, Lord,
for I hide myself in you.
Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God;
may your good Spirit
lead me on level ground.
For your name’s sake, Lord, preserve my life;
in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble.
In your unfailing love, silence my enemies;
destroy all my foes,
for I am your servant.
Pray without ceasing.
A Prayer to Preserve Life
Psalm 143:11-12 For your name’s sake, LORD, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble. In your unfailing love, silence my enemies; destroy all my foes, for I am your servant.
If you are a parent whose son or daughter is in the military, you likely pray something akin to Psalm 143:11-12 frequently. And your heart and head are likely very present with thoughts and concerns for the safety of your son or daughter. But friends, all our sons and daughters are in a battle, whether they serve in the military or not. It’s just that we’re not all as aware as we ought to be of the dangers and enemies they face. Our sons and daughters live in a war zone- the Earth, the territory of the Prince of Darkness. They are surrounded by spiritual enemies 24/7. We don’t ‘see’ it so we often don’t pray as if our families are under attack. But we need to. We need to pray as if the battle is raging, because it is.
Have you watched the news lately? Are you seeing things ‘ramp up’ and become more serious, more frequent….more crazy? Satan knows his time is short. He will do all he can to subvert, derail, distract and destroy believers. We are his target and he will show no mercy. He will attack and deceive. Can we all agree that strong prayer for spiritual protection and Divine intervention is the weapon we need to use daily?
Yes, of course we worry about the safety and well-being of our sons and daughters, but friends, we need to be very cognizant of their spiritual health and safety too. Today, let’s pray Psalm 143:11-12. While we pray, let’s lift those who serve in the military. Let’s pray for their safety and their spiritual walk. Let’s pray for the Momma and Daddy hearts that love them and long for their safety. Then, let’s pray for the spiritual health and safety of our sons and daughters.
“For your name’s sake, Lord, preserve (name)’s life. In your righteousness, bring them out of trouble. Keep them surrounded with your guarding, protecting angels and keep watch over every step. In your unfailing love, silence the enemy. Keep Satan from impacting (name)’s life today. Guard their heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Lord, for those serving to protect nations, we ask your protection and preservation of their life, health and well-being. Lord, I pray that you would bring other believers who serve into the life of these loved ones, let there be fellowship, discipleship and accountability. Encourage them in the hard times. Be a light in the darkness for them. Do not allow fear to overwhelm them. Lord, I pray for the other parents here who need encouragement and reassurance. Meet their needs today, Lord and do all for the glory of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In His name we pray, Amen.”
Pray without ceasing, friends. God hears.
A Morning Prayer
Psalm 143:8-10 “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Rescue me from my enemies, LORD, for I hide myself in you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.”
Pray these words over your sons and daughters today. Ask the Lord to encourage them, lead them, protect them and teach them. Let these scriptures soothe your weary heart, and theirs too.
This morning, be assured that God loves your son, your daughter, He loves you unfailingly, immeasurably, and eternally. He wants the best for each of you!! Trust Him... trust means you’re confident and secure and why wouldn’t you be? You belong to Jesus.
Pray these words again and then write them down and carry them with you. Psalm 143:8-10 is a beautiful passage to start the day. Encourage your sons and daughters with this truth today!
Pray without ceasing!
Praying in Desperation
Psalm 143:5-7 “I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. I spread out my hands to you; I thirst for you like a parched land. Answer me quickly, LORD; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit.”
Do you feel like you pray and pray but nothing changes? Are you desperate for an answer? Is your heart growing weary? It’s times like these that our fragile hearts need a good reminding of God’s faithfulness.
David understood that helpless desperation well, but rather than wallow in self-pity or allow his dark thoughts to overwhelm him, he used that as a call to remember all that God had done for him and as proof that God would not abandon him.
Remember the days of long ago- what are those things that God has done for us throughout our life? What are the ways He’s shown himself faithful? Are there stones of remembrance we can stack up as a reminder of God’s goodness and faithfulness? We need to write them down. Meditate on them. Remind ourselves of God’s goodness. Consider what His hands have done. Those reminders are the precious anchors for our weary souls that keep us grounded in the Truth that God never fails and never forsakes us.
“I spread out my hands to you; I thirst for you like a parched land.” Sometimes, in our desperation, we become so consumed with our own needs... our pleading prayers, that we lose sight of Who we should desire most of all. Stop. Let’s check our hearts. Do we want that answer to prayer more than we want Jesus? Has the thing we are praying for become more precious to us than our Savior? What if His answer is ‘no’? What then? When we’re fully satisfied with our Savior and long for Him more than anything else, we can manage whatever the answer will be because we know it comes from His good heart...even if it’s not the answer we prayed for. Thirst for Him, friends, and trust Him. Want Him more than anything else.
“Answer me quickly, LORD; my spirit fails.” Sometimes we have desperate prayers and we’re so emptied of anything else. We have nothing more to pour out, and in those times we just need to cry out to the Lord. Period. We don’t need a long explanation. We don’t need fancy words. When our children were little and needed help quickly, they didn’t go into a long explanation, they just cried out our name and we came running. Why would we think our Heavenly Father would do anything differently? When our spirit fails, we can cry out to Him and be heard. He will not hide his face, He will not let us go down to the pit. He will hear and answer. We can trust Him.
Today, remind yourself of these things. And pray. Trust Him that He will hear and answer. He intends good for you. “I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. I spread out my hands to you; I thirst for you like a parched land. Answer me quickly, LORD; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit.”
Pray without ceasing.
Fight or Flight
Psalm 143:3-4 “The enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the ground; he makes me dwell in the darkness like those long dead. So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed.”
Friends, the Enemy DOES pursue our sons and daughters. Satan wants nothing more than to defeat believers and bring them down. And nothing frustrates him more than young men and women on fire for God.
Romans 12:12 tells us one of the signature characteristics of a believer is being ‘devoted to prayer’. What does that word ‘devoted’ mean? According to Strong’s concordance (1) it is to be “steadfastly attentive to, continue all the time, be in constant readiness, give unremitting care”
Friends, are we steadfastly attentive to pray for our sons and daughters? And are we encouraging one another in that pursuit? If we are truthful, we would probably say we’re not doing either as much as we should be. And if not, we need to be prepared for what may ensue.
We must be intentional about prayer for our sons and daughters….and serious about it as well. We have to choose to spend time in daily prayer...and then continue it throughout the day. We need to pray for God’s divine protection over them. Satan prowls about looking for who he can devour...not just annoy, but devour. 1 Peter 5:8 “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” He seeks to crush any in his path. But here’s the thing. Satan is not omnipresent. He is limited in where he can be. And he’s looking for an easy target. Friends, if we are praying diligently, if we are steadfastly attentive to pleading for the protection of the Omnipotent Omnipresent God of the Universe over our sons and daughters, they will not be an easy target. If we pray for God’s divine protection around them, and the armor of the Lord to guard and protect them, they will not be easily swallowed. The Enemy will need to find another target. We can crush his efforts before He can bring us to defeat.
Today, lets pray that David’s words in Psalm 143:3-4 are not representative of what our sons and daughters experience. Let’s diligently pray for God's protection over them.
Why not write a one-sentence prayer here...and together we can mightily hold up our sons and daughters, and one another as we pray for their protection.
“Lord, the enemy pursues us, yet we ask that you would help each of us stand firm. Surround (name) with Your divine protection today. Though the enemy would seek to crush them to the ground, we pray that You would help them stand firm. Don’t let them be an easy target. Bring scripture to mind that would help (name) take every thought captive. You have not given a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. I pray that the enemy would not have any success to make (name) dwell in the darkness like those long dead. Strengthen (name’s) spirit and embolden their heart so that they can stand up against the enemy and be victorious. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Pray with diligence. Pray without ceasing.
1. G4342 - proskartereō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (nasb95). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g4342/nasb95/mgnt/0-1/
Mercy, Delivered in Faithfulness and Righteousness
Psalm 143:1-2 A psalm of David. LORD, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief. Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you.
If any of us has a son or daughter who is not a believer, God’s mercy is likely the plea of our heart. If we have a prodigal, God’s mercy is what we plead to bring them back to the family and back to the cross. When we are watching our children make unwise and ungodly decisions, our hearts ache for God’s mercy in their lives and their recognition of what His mercy offers them.
David, in Psalm 143, cries out to God for mercy, appealing to His faithfulness and righteousness for deliverance. Why is that? It’s important to understand God’s attribtes and what they mean for us.
He IS faithful:
Firmness, steadiness, security (1)
Established & trustworthy (2)
To support, be established, stand firm. (3)
When we cry out to God, we can be confident that He is steady, strong and secure. He is trustworthy- He will always provide what is appropriate and necessary. He will not deceive and He will not do a ‘bait and switch’ on us. His support is firm and reliable and is always what we need in every situation. When we cry out, His response is faithful.
And He is righteous:
Justice and righteousness in rule, morally and as an attribute of God (4)
To be just, have a just cause, to do or bring justice, vindicate (5)
God is the standard of righteousness. When we appeal to Him, we know we are calling out to the Source of Truth and the model for all that is right.
Think about those attributes. Our God, alone, is faithful. His nature is the example of faithfulness, reliable in and out of season. Everything points back to Him alone. He is steady, secure and trustworthy. He is righteous. He alone determines what is right and true. Truth is not relative to a situation or an individual. Truth does not change, depending on circumstances. God alone embodies moral rightness and determines and makes us righteous through His blood.
When we pray for our sons and daughters, do we stop and appeal to the perfect attributes of our God, resting and believing confidently in Who He is and what He is able to do, or do we simply list out our needs?
Do we ponder from what aspects of God’s character those answers come? Mindful prayer. It can change our perspective and deepen our awe and fear of God.
What is it that you long for as you pray for your sons and daughters today? Rescue? Protection? Blessing and favor? Any of the answers that God gives us emanate from His character and nature.
David appealed to God’s faithfulness and righteousness when He cried out for mercy, forgiveness and relief. Today, let’s appeal to God’s faithfulness and righteousness as we pray for the burdens we carry. Trust that in His perfect character, He will answer completely and perfectly in His time. Trust that He is faithful and righteous.
“Lord, today I cry out for mercy on (name)’s behalf. You know where they are and what they are doing. You know, better than I do, what they need and long for. Lord, you know where their heart is. I pray that they would be aligned with and committed to You. Lord, don’t allow them to compromise or be pulled away by temptation. Help them stand firm in their faith. Have mercy, Lord, to ensure (name) walks faithfully with You. Father, you understand a parent’s heart. I plead with You today that you would protect and preserve (name) so they would stand with you in glory as one of Your own. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Resources:
1. H530 - 'ĕmûnâ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h530/kjv/wlc/0-1/
2. H529 - 'ēmûn - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h529/kjv/wlc/0-1/
3. H539 - 'āman - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h539/kjv/wlc/0-1/
4. H6666 - ṣᵊḏāqâ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h6666/kjv/wlc/0-1/
5. H6663 - ṣāḏaq - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h6663/kjv/wlc/0-1/
Sunday Worship
Before the day's last moments fly,
Maker of all, to you we cry;
Beneath your kind protection take,
and shield us for your mercy's sake.
Let no ill dreams, our souls alarm,
No power of night approach to harm;
Let us lie down and take our rest
In knowledge that your love is best.
Father of mercies, hear our cry;
Oh hear, co-equal Son most high:
Whom with the Spirit we adore,
One only God for evermore.
Based on an anonymous text from the 7th or 17th century, translated by Robert Campbell (1814-1868)
gleaned from: https://www.godsongs.net/2014/02/before-the-days-last-moments-fly.html
Saturday Review
Today, simply pray through Psalm 142 for your sons and daughters. Take your time. Meditate on the truths. Feel free to pray things more than once. Let the Lord speak to your heart and encourage you. The word of the Lord always is effective and fruitful. Believe that and pray without ceasing.
Psalm 142
I cry aloud to the Lord;
I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy.
I pour out before him my complaint;
before him I tell my trouble.
When my spirit grows faint within me,
it is you who watch over my way.
In the path where I walk
people have hidden a snare for me.
Look and see, there is no one at my right hand;
no one is concerned for me.
I have no refuge;
no one cares for my life.
I cry to you, Lord;
I say, “You are my refuge,
my portion in the land of the living.”
Listen to my cry,
for I am in desperate need;
rescue me from those who pursue me,
for they are too strong for me.
Set me free from my prison,
that I may praise your name.
Then the righteous will gather about me
because of your goodness to me.
He Hears Our Desperate Cries
Psalm 142:6 “Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me.”
This Psalm was written when David was running for his life, trying to escape King Saul. But why was David on the run from Saul? Let’s look at 1 Samuel 18.
1 Samuel 18:5-9 ““Whatever Saul sent him to do, David did it so successfully that Saul gave him a high rank in the army. This pleased all the people, and Saul's officers as well.
When the men were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out from all the towns of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs and with tambourines and lutes.
As they danced, they sang: "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands."
Saul was very angry; this refrain galled him. "They have credited David with tens of thousands," he thought, "but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?"
And from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David.”
The conflict escalated to the point that, while David played his harp for him, Saul angrily threw a javelin at David in an attempt to kill him. David ran for his life. He respected Saul’s position as the King, the anointed leader of Israel. David’s integrity guided his response. Although he could have bested him, David did not want to harm him. So he ran.
Was David alone as he ran? No, far from it. He was surrounded by his mighty men of valor. But David knew the battle belonged to the Lord. Without God, there would be no victory. Without God, those mighty men had no strength. David knew his first cry must always be to the Lord. And what an example he set for his men! Here, this mighty man, lauded for killing tens of thousands, was crying out to the Lord for protection and strength, for rescue and deliverance. He was looking to God alone. David knew how to align his plan of attack. First kneel. Then listen. Then act.
Friends, how much time do we spend fretting and trying to figure out the answers? How often do we allow our fretting to impact our sons and daughters, whether or not we do it intentionally? We need to stop and pray. We need to look to God alone- cry out to the Lord. Then listen for His response and be patient for His timing.
Those who oppose us are strong and friends, there is likely spiritual warfare involved. We are weak and vulnerable with no way to protect ourselves and let’s be honest, the solutions and ‘fixes’ we come up with are limited. We have human abilities. God is divine, His abilities exceed ours and His strength is supernatural. We need to cry out to Him and seek His protection. Let’s lead by example and cry out to the Lord, knowing He alone can save us.
Today, let’s list out those things that weigh heavily on our hearts and lay them before the Lord. It may seem that the only way out is blocked by the Enemy, but we serve the God who defeated the Enemy long ago. Let’s trust Him to make a way.
Then, let’s pray for our sons and daughters. Pray that they seek the Lord first and call out to Him. Let’s pray they refuse to take things into their own hands or rely on their own strength and ability. Let’s pray for a generation of “Davids” in a world full of angry “Sauls”.
Pray without ceasing.
He is Our Refuge and Portion
Psalm 142:4-5 Look and see, there is no one at my right hand; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life. I cry to you, LORD; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.”
Ah, friends. We can feel so alone sometimes, can’t we? The weight in our hearts can be overwhelming and even when we’re surrounded by people, no one sees it. No one perceives just how desperate and alone we feel. The deep wounds and heavy burdens bear down on us and can leave us feeling like we are in a solitary universe with no support system.
If we’re looking for ‘that person’ or that ‘opportunity’, maybe that next location to solve our dissatisfaction, we’ll be disappointed every time. There is no place, no circumstance and no friend or family member who can rescue us and bring extraordinary peace like God can. No one can plumb the depths of our heart and mind like Jesus and instill peace and deep purpose.
We CAN cry to Him and that’s exactly what He longs for us to do! He is our refuge and our portion in the land of the living. Only Him. Always Him. So why do we hesitate? Where are we looking? To our right? To our left? We won’t see a rescuer there. We need to look to the Lord.
Now, where do our sons and daughters look? Do they realize that God, alone, is their portion? And do they have confidence that they are never really alone but that God is always near?
God, in His mercy, has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus, an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade away and, because of our faith, He shields us by His mighty spiritual power (1 Peter 1:3-5) Those are some incredible promises. We are not alone. We are not left to the ravages of this world to fend for ourselves. God sees and protects us. He surrounds us. He provides all that we need to live for Him.
Today, let’s pray over our sons and daughters with boldness to ask ‘big’ and with faith that God will accomplish more than we could ask or think. Pray that they would not look all around them for the answers and the fulfillment they crave, but that they would cry out to the Lord and trust in Him alone for He is their refuge and their portion. Pray that they would find their purpose and their satisfaction in Him.
Pray without ceasing.
When We Grow Faint
Psalm 142:3 “When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who watch over my way. In the path where I walk people have hidden a snare for me.”
Sometimes parenting takes all we have to give, and then some., doesn’t it? Let’s be honest, sometimes we feel like we are at the end of ourselves. And when our sons and daughters reach adulthood, it doesn’t necessarily get easier. The challenges grow more intense. The worries become weightier. We may feel even less able to manage things or offer wise advice.
But when we grow faint, God is still there. He doesn’t stand at a distance to watch us struggle, He’s right in our midst to support us, love us and give us the strength and wisdom we need. And friends, instead of rushing to our sons and daughters to ‘fix’ their dilemmas, maybe God wants us to allow Him to be their first call, their rock and their helper. When their spirit grows faint, He wants to be the One Who watches over them and Who is their rescuer and shield.
Let’s all take a breath and step back. When our son is at the end of himself, God is there. When our daughter is overwhelmed and sinking, God is there. When they encounter opposition and persecution, God is there. When they don’t know how to handle a situation, He does know and He will.
Today, let’s pray that when their spirit grows faint, they call out to their Heavenly Father who is there to watch over and protect them and Who will give them the strength to remain faithful to Him.
“Lord, You are so attentive to our every need. During those sleepless nights when I struggled to care for an infant, You were there. During those nonstop years of toddlerhood, You walked beside me and strengthened me to answer all the ‘why’ questions, because You'd done the same for me with all of my questions, too. Lord, you strengthened and sustained us through the teenage years and when my spirit was faint, You knew my way and were faithful to lead me in it. Now, Lord, my sons and daughters are grown and I don’t see all that they do or know where they are. But You do. Watch over them, Lord. Strengthen (name)’s heart to walk faithfully with You. Guide their steps away from or around those traps set by the Enemy and by those who would delight in seeing (name) falter and fail. Keep them safe and spiritually strong. You are faithful, Lord. Help us to trust you, always. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Pray without ceasing.
Dead Ends and Deliverance
Psalm 142:1-2 “A maskil of David. When he was in the cave. A prayer. “I cry aloud to the LORD; I lift up my voice to the LORD for mercy. I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble.””
1 Samuel 24 gives the account of David when he was running for his life. King Saul was quickly gaining on him, seeking to cut him down and rid himself of David, his biggest competition.
David and his men sought refuge in the desert of En Gedi. They knew the caves there were vast and plentiful and they could seek a likely refuge that would hide them well. But, Saul and his men were scouting the area, aware that David was there, somewhere. In the midst of the hunt, Saul entered one of the caves and walked into the very cave in which David was hiding. Didn’t God know? Couldn’t He see? Why would He allow David’s enemy to get so close…and why would he allow Saul to block the only exit?!
Of course God knew exactly where David was and He allowed the close encounter. Really, David had the upper hand and could have taken Saul’s life, but refused to harm the Lord’s anointed.
Look at Psalm 142 and read David’s prayer, “I cry aloud to the LORD; I lift up my voice to the LORD for mercy. I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble.” David knew he was in trouble. But He trusted the Lord more than he feared his enemy. He knew there was only one way of escape, and that would have to be provided supernaturally by the Lord.
Do you ever feel overwhelmed with sorrow at the path your son or daughter has chosen? Or maybe you’re filled with concern at the choices they are making. Maybe you worry… a lot. You have fear for their safety and live with a continuous sense of dread. You don’t see a way out, and it consumes you.
Cry out to the Lord. He hears you! Lift up your voice for mercy, both for you and for your sons and daughters. Pour out your complaint. Tell the Lord your trouble. He cares for you. He longs to hear you cry out to Him! Much like we hope that our sons and daughters would come to us when they are troubled, our Heavenly Father longs for the same!
Trust the Lord. What may seem like a dead end to us is an opportunity for the Lord to show His divine protection and intervention. Sometimes the Lord brings us to a dead end so that there is nowhere to look but to Him. Trust that He leads our sons and daughters, even when it seems to us they’re headed into disaster. Cry out to the Lord and trust Him, friends. He sees. He knows. He is still in control.
Today, list out those burdens that weigh heavily on your heart and then pray through them and tell the Lord your troubles. He will provide strength and mercy for today. He will provide a way of escape and He will be glorified through it.
Pray without ceasing.
Sunday Worship
Colossians 3:15-17 “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Today, let peace rule in your heart. Be thankful. Let the gospel speak loudly from your life, your words and your actions and take every opportunity to encourage one another.
Be intentional to take time to worship and be still. Enjoy a Sabbath rest.
Saturday Review-Psalm 140
Take time today to read and pray through Psalm 140 in its entirety. Speak in the name of your son or daughter, or any loved one, to personalize your prayer. Meditate on what God promises here. Take heart in the knowledge that He hears and knows your heart’s cry. Then, stop and ponder verse 13 and take time to praise the Lord. It is always fitting to praise Him and enjoy His presence.
Pray without ceasing.
Psalm 140
Rescue me, Lord, from evildoers;
protect me from the violent,
who devise evil plans in their hearts
and stir up war every day.
They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent’s;
the poison of vipers is on their lips.
Keep me safe, Lord, from the hands of the wicked;
protect me from the violent,
who devise ways to trip my feet.
The arrogant have hidden a snare for me;
they have spread out the cords of their net
and have set traps for me along my path.
I say to the Lord, “You are my God.”
Hear, Lord, my cry for mercy.
Sovereign Lord, my strong deliverer,
you shield my head in the day of battle.
Do not grant the wicked their desires, Lord;
do not let their plans succeed.
Those who surround me proudly rear their heads;
may the mischief of their lips engulf them.
May burning coals fall on them;
may they be thrown into the fire,
into miry pits, never to rise.
May slanderers not be established in the land;
may disaster hunt down the violent.
I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor
and upholds the cause of the needy.
Surely the righteous will praise your name,
and the upright will live in your presence.
Pray for the Persecuted
Psalm 140:12-13 I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy. Surely the righteous will praise your name, and the upright will live in your presence.
Let’s not be so caught up in our own trials that we lose sight of what believers are facing around the world. Oppression and persecution are ramping up. Can we pray?
Pray that the Lord would secure justice for the poor and uphold the cause of the needy. Pray for those in need of religious freedom. Pray for those who are facing injustice because of their love of Christ. Pray that those believers who are facing persecution would stand firm. This life is fleeting- it’s as short-lived as the morning mist in the fields.. Eternity awaits. Our attitudes and decisions here matter. When faced with the choice of Jesus or this life….what will we choose? What will our sons and daughters choose? Will they have the conviction to stand with Christ?
“Surely, the righteous will praise your name and the upright will live in your presence.” What a promise!! What assurance that can encourage us to stand firm. Oppression and persecution here are hard…but there is promise of justice and deliverance!
Take some time today to pray for the persecuted Church and for our sons and daughters to stand with conviction, unwaveringly committed to following Christ, no matter the cost.
Pray without ceasing.
No Compromises
Psalm 140:9-11 “Those who surround me proudly rear their heads; may the mischief of their lips engulf them. May burning coals fall on them; may they be thrown into the fire, into miry pits, never to rise. May slanderers not be established in the land; may disaster hunt down the violent.”
David’s words in Psalm 140:9-11 may sound harsh, but this is the fate of those who defy God. Are we grieved by it? Do we feel compelled to defend our faith? Our Savior?
Look around. Those who oppose the cross proudly rear their heads. They speak words of disdain and hate. They rail against any standard of morality that would defy their agenda or require them to submit to God’s standard. This is the world we live in...one that moves further and further from the Truth of Scripture and mocks those who remain true to God’s word.
God is a God of justice and righteousness. He cannot tolerate the wicked. And there is a lot of wickedness in our world. People are not grieved by their sin and, if given the chance, repeat the offense and celebrate their defiance. We see mockery of scripture and intolerance of anything connected to Christ. What is right is decried as wrong and what is wrong is celebrated as “choice” and “personal truth” that no one has the right to challenge. And there is a lot of pushback and social pressure, even within the church, to give a ‘pass’ on bad behavior and, heaven forbid... we should not ‘judge’. But God holds us to a standard, doesn’t He? We are to bear fruit….yet, much of the fruit around us is rotten or non-existent. Are we being good fruit-inspectors or are we overlooking things and making excuses?
Friends, we need to pray that our sons and daughters are not pressured into accepting ‘truth’ that isn’t truth at all but skewed, tainted deception. We need to pray that they would be discerning and sensitive to perspectives, opinions and influencers that ‘speak their truth’ and in so doing, mock Christ. We must pray that they stand firm on Scripture, even when it’s not popular. We need to pray that our sons and daughters do not compromise and are grieved by sin. May they understand the consequences of defying God.
Pray without ceasing.
A Shield Around Me
Psalm 140:6-8 “I say to the LORD, “You are my God.” Hear, LORD, my cry for mercy. Sovereign LORD, my strong deliverer, you shield my head in the day of battle. Do not grant the wicked their desires, LORD; do not let their plans succeed.”
Each day, God offers us protection. He protects us for a reason. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12) Only God can protect us from this. It’s important that we acknowledge His power and sovereignty and, yes, that we pray to Him asking for His protection and blessing.
The battle that rages on around us doesn’t stop. It is always happening, always striving to gain ground against Christ and His followers. Oh, we might not see it with our eyes, but our hearts and minds are assaulted. Our spirits are heavy with the weight of darkness pressing in trying to overcome the Light. Let’s not be ignorant of the dangers.
Satan wants nothing more than to steal the affections of this generation. He knows his time is short and he’s doing whatever it takes to pull as many Christ-followers away from the cross, away from their faith. Do we take this threat seriously enough?
Much is at stake, friends. Our sons and daughters are vulnerable, and everything in this world is working against them, against their faith and to counteract the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Let’s not ever let our guard down. We might not be able to physically walk beside our sons and daughters to protect them, but we can pray that God would put a shield around them each and every day.
“Lord, I pray that You would be a shield around (name) today. Hear my cry for mercy on (name)’s behalf. Be their strong deliverer and open their eyes to SEE the work You are doing on their behalf. Shield (name)’s head on the day of battle. May the helmet of salvation protect their mind. Surround them with divine protection and shield them from the fiery darts of the enemy. Do not grant the wicked any victories, Lord. But do not allow us to gloat either. Help us to always recognize that You are our help and fortress. You are out mighty protector. There is nothing we can do to guard ourselves. Lord, we ask Your favor on us and our household today. Keep the wicked from succeeding. Put stumbling blocks in their way and let us pass by in safety. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Pray without ceasing.