Read
(A prayer by David.)
The Prayer
1I am innocent, Lord!
Won't you listen as I pray
and beg for help?
I am honest!
Please hear my prayer.
2Only you can say
that I am innocent,
because only your eyes
can see the truth.
3You know my heart,
and even during the night
you have tested me
and found me innocent.
I have made up my mind
never to tell a lie.
4I don't do like others.
I obey your teachings
and am not cruel.
5I have followed you,
without ever stumbling.
6I pray to you, God,
because you will help me.
Listen and answer my prayer!
7Show your wonderful love.
Your mighty arm protects those
who run to you for safety
from their enemies.
8Protect me as you would
your very own eyes;
hide me in the shadow
of your wings.
9Don't let my brutal enemies
attack from all sides
and kill me.
10They refuse to show mercy,
and they keep bragging.
11They have caught up with me!
My enemies are everywhere,
eagerly hoping to smear me
in the dirt.
12They are like hungry lions
hunting for food,
or like young lions
hiding in ambush.
13Do something, Lord!
Attack and defeat them.
Take your sword and save me
from those evil people.
14Use your powerful arm
and rescue me
from the hands of mere humans
whose world won't last.
You provide food
for those you love.
Their children have plenty,
and their grandchildren
will have more than enough.
15I am innocent, Lord,
and I will see your face!
When I awake, all I want
is to see you as you are.
Reflect
I went through a time in my life when I had been hurt so deeply by the people of God that I was ready to jump ship. There was no one whom I could trust. Who of us has not encountered times like these when we feel like we’re up against a wall due to people, circumstances or challenges that seek to defeat and destroy us? None of us are immune. In a world full of betrayal, suffering, abuse, and rampant sin it is hard to know where to run and hide.
We long for a place where it is safe to let our guard down and put our feet up, a place where we can be ourselves, a place where we are safe to share innermost thoughts and feelings. Everyone needs a place that is safe from harm, a safe place to share the journey. But is there really such a place?
David was not a man immune from trials and pursuit. For much of his life, and into his reign as the King of Israel, he was a man on the run. He was first pursued by Saul and eventually by his own son, Absalom. However, he was also a man who was well acquainted with the Lord and experienced a true sense of fellowship and safety in that relationship. Hidden in the shadow of His wings David found love, comfort, assurance and hope to withstand the relentless attacks to his safety. He realized that he would one day see God’s face and “be satisfied with seeing his likeness.”
While life’s trials and challenges pursue us, our pursuit is to become more like Christ. It is not until we see and reflect Jesus’ likeness that we, too, will be satisfied. We will be home safe and sound.
Respond
Dear Heavenly Father, as I face life’s challenges, thank you for being a “safe place” that I can run to. Please continually remind me that in this world I will have trouble, but that you have overcome the world. Thank you, in the powerful name of Jesus. Amen
Lisa Elliott
Lisa Elliott is a popular inspirational speaker and award-winning author of The Ben Ripple; Choosing to Live through Loss with Purpose and Dancing in the Rain. Born and raised in Toronto, ON, Lisa is a graduate of Ontario Bible College (Tyndale). She is a pastor’s wife of over 25 years and mother of four children (3 on earth, 1 in heaven). She has written for Just Between Us Magazine and writes a column for Word Alive Press’s website entitled, Straight from the Heart. Lisa’s passion is to share the life changing truths and principles from God’s Word straight from the heart. She and her husband, David are presently serving the Lord in London, Ontario.