Read
(A psalm by David.)
A Prayer
1I pray to you, Lord!
Please listen when I pray
and hurry to help me.
2 Think of my prayer
as sweet-smelling incense,
and think of my lifted hands
as an evening sacrifice.
3Help me to guard my words
whenever I say something.
4Don't let me want to do evil
or waste my time doing wrong
with wicked people.
Don't let me even taste
the good things they offer.
5Let your faithful people
correct and punish me.
My prayers condemn the deeds
of those who do wrong,
so don't let me be friends
with any of them.
6Everyone will admit
that I was right
when their rulers are thrown
down a rocky cliff,
7and their bones lie scattered
like crushed rocks
on top of a grave.
8You are my Lord and God,
and I look to you for safety.
Don't let me be harmed.
9Protect me from the traps
of those violent people,
10and make them fall
into their own traps
while you help me escape.
Reflect
David was a man after God’s own heart. He was a faithful follower of God. He was true to his calling. He held no contempt toward those who threatened his life, and yet we know that he was not perfect. He knew it too. He was, after all, human like us. He knew his weaknesses, his vulnerabilities and his sinful nature. He knew how easy it was to say something he shouldn’t. He especially knew the power of influence. Do you?
It’s important to note that David felt it best not to even “taste” of the good things the world had to offer (v 4). It is no secret that we are under the influence of many worldly temptations. We are regularly influenced by people’s examples and opinions. We are tempted to pursue popularity, prestige and power. Ungodly media messages are relentless.
I, personally, find it a daily challenge to live above the standard and influence of this world, especially where my mouth is concerned. My mouth is my greatest strength and also my greatest weakness. I know the influence of my words. They have the power of life and death. Therefore, my prayer is constantly for God to guard them.
I have learned the necessity of surrounding myself with people who will not only be a good influence, but also keep me accountable (vs 4-6). I am fortunate to have a few faithful and trusted friends to come alongside me. They pray for me regularly and guide me in truth and love.
We desperately need godly influences. We must not forsake meeting together (Hebrews 10:24,25), but most importantly, we need the influence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We need to spend quality and quantity time under the influence of God’s Word. Are you living under the right influence?
Respond
Dear Lord, you are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. As I seek to live my life for you, guard my lips. Don’t let me want to do evil. Guide me in the truth through your Word. Keep me accountable under the powerful influence of your Holy Spirit. 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.