Please Hear Me, God Psalm 141
Psalm 141 is a powerful reminder of the condition of the human heart and the temptations of evil that we face every day. In this psalm, King David cried out to God for deliverance from the evil that surrounded him, and for protection from the temptations that threatened to lead him astray.
The first half of the psalm focuses on David's plea for God to keep him from evil. He began by crying out, "Lord, I call upon you; hurry to my aid! Listen to my voice when I call to you!" (verses 1-2). Here, David recognized that he was in need of help and that only God could provide the deliverance he sought. This is a reminder to us that when we find ourselves surrounded by evil, we must turn to God for help. We must call upon Him, just as David did, and trust in His ability to deliver us from harm.
But the problem of evil is not limited to the actions of wicked people; it also exists within our own hearts. In verses 3-4, David acknowledged this reality and prayed, "Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil; to take part in wicked deeds with men who are evildoers." Here, David recognized that his own heart was prone to evil, and he prayed for God to protect him from this tendency.
This is a powerful reminder to us that we are all susceptible to evil. No matter how good or pure we may believe ourselves to be, our hearts are naturally drawn to what is evil. We must be vigilant in guarding our hearts against the temptations of the world, and we must seek the help of God to keep us on the path of righteousness.
So, what can we do to guard our hearts and protect ourselves from the temptations of evil? First, we must be intentional in filling our hearts with the things of God. This means spending time in prayer, reading and studying the Word of God, and seeking the counsel of mature believers. When we fill our hearts with the truth of God's word, we will be better equipped to resist the temptations of evil.
The second half of the psalm focuses on David's request for God to bring judgment on those who sought to do him harm. He said, "Let the righteous strike me if I am guilty--but with kindness. Let the oil of the righteous anoint my head, and let their censure be my delight." (verses 5-6). Here, David acknowledged that he was not without fault, and he asked the righteous to correct him when he strayed from the path of righteousness.
We must seek the help of the righteous. David acknowledged that he was not perfect, and recognized the importance of having other believers who could help guide him back to the right path when he strayed. We must be open to the correction of others, and we must seek out the wise counsel of those who are more experienced in the faith.
In verses 7-8, David prayed for God to bring justice to the wicked. He said, "When their bones are broken, my enemies will know that you are the Lord who saves me. I will sing a song of praise to you, Lord, among the nations, and I will sing of your name." Here, David recognized that God is the ultimate source of justice and that he will be vindicated in the end.
We must pray for God to bring justice to the wicked. In verses 7-8, David prayed, "When their bones are broken, my enemies will know that you are the Lord who saves me. I will sing a song of praise to you, Lord, among the nations, and I will sing of your name." Here, David recognized that God is the ultimate source of justice, and he trusted in God's ability to bring judgment to the wicked. We must pray for God's justice to be done in our world, and we must trust that God will bring about the right outcome in His own time.
So, what can we learn from this psalm about the problem of the human heart and the temptations of evil?
First and foremost, we must acknowledge that we are all susceptible to evil. No one is immune to the temptations of the world, and we all need the help of God to keep us on the path of righteousness. Just as David cried out for deliverance, we too must call out to God for help.
Secondly, we must recognize that our hearts are naturally drawn to evil. David said, "Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil." The human heart is prone to wander, and we must be vigilant in guarding our hearts against the temptations of the world. We must be intentional in filling our hearts with the things of God, so that we are not tempted to follow after evil.
Thirdly, we must seek the help of the righteous. David said, "Let the righteous strike me if I am guilty--but with kindness." When we stray from the path of righteousness, it is important to have the support of other believers who can help guide us back to the right path. We must be open to the correction of others, and we must seek out the wise counsel of those who are more experienced in the faith.
So, how can we apply these truths to our lives today? Firstly, we must make a conscious effort to seek the help of God in our lives. We must cry out to Him for deliverance from evil and for protection from temptations. We must spend time in prayer and in the Word of God
Psalm 141 is a powerful reminder that we must acknowledge our weaknesses and limitations, pray for protection from evil, seek guidance and direction, and rely on God for our salvation. Whether we are facing challenges in our personal lives, our relationships, our careers, or our faith, we must trust in God and seek His guidance and protection. So let us take this message to heart, and apply it to our lives today, confident in the knowledge that God is always with us, and that He will never leave us or forsake us.
Response:
Dear friends, as we come to the end of this sermon, I invite you to reflect on the themes of Psalm 141 and how you can apply them to your own life. Take a moment to acknowledge your weaknesses and limitations, and to pray for God's protection and guidance. Seek to avoid evil in all its forms, and pray for God's guidance and direction in your life. And finally, trust in God for your salvation, and rely on Him for the hope and peace that you need.
As you reflect on these themes, I invite you to make a commitment to seek God's guidance and protection in your life. Whether it is through prayer, reading the Bible, attending worship services or serving others; make a commitment to seek God's will in your life.