by Becky
LINK: Psalm 144
BACKGROUND
A transitional psalm, Psalm 144 links the preceding psalms which plead for help with the psalms of praise that follow it!
This psalm is reminiscent of Psalm 18, which David wrote when fleeing from Saul. Perhaps David is remembering and reiterating what he has learned in life.
REFLECTION
David was a warrior king. God chose him to be king and then gave him a task. God was intimately concerned with David. This psalm recognizes that what God calls us to do, He also equips us for. That doesn' t mean that there will be no problems! Just look at David's life. But God gave him what he needed to be king and to lead Israel into war. God protected David so that David could fulfill God's plan. In the first two verses, David compares God to a rock, a trainer, a faithful friend, a fortress, a tower of safety, a deliverer, a shield, a refuge, a subduer.
That's how this psalm opens - David ponders what God is and provides. And then he is filled with wonder!
O Lord,what is man that you regard him,
or the son of man that you think of him?
Man is like a breath;
his days are like a passing shadow.
Look at the figurative language there! Man is like a breath or vapor. His days are like a shadow.
The images used about God are strong and sturdy and permanent. The images used of man are without substance and short-lived. No wonder David is filled with wonder!
Why does God care about us? It is truly amazing that He does. He is intimately concerned with those who are His.
Because He does care, we can talk to Him. We can ask for His help and blessing, which is what David does in the rest of this psalm. The psalm makes it clear that God rescues us and blesses us so that we can sing His praises.
APPLICATION
Do you belong to God? Has God called you to be His? If so, know that He is concerned about you - so concerned that He will equip you with what you need to serve Him.
Sing that new song along with David!
What responsibilites has God given you with His people? Read through this psalm again in that light and consider how David prays. What can you learn?
PRAYER
We praise you, our God, for giving us all we need for life and godliness. Thank you for your faithfulness to us, your care of us. How can it be that you think of us and and are concerned about us? Give us a new song to you when we think of that! Help us to turn to you for all we need. Prosper your church, and bless us with spiritual fruit.
