Psalms 141-142

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

David Looks to the Lord for Protection and Deliverance

(Transcript not available - coming soon)

To what did David compare his prayers in Psalm 141:2? Is there a New Testament correlation?
What unusual request does David make in Psalm 141?
What does David mean by “eat of their delicacies” in verse 4?
What can we learn from the title of Psalm 142?
What promise do we find in Proverbs 3:5-6?

David likens his prayer to the offering of incense at the time of the evening sacrifice at the tabernacle. Hebrews 13:15 tells us our prayers and praises can also be sacrifices of worship to the Lord. See also Revelation 8:3-4.
In verse 5 David prays that believers more righteous than himself would rebuke him and reprove him, and that he would not refuse this anointing even though it would not be pleasant.
To eat of their delicacies would mean having fellowship with the wicked. David frequently prayed for God to keep him from following the ways of the wicked.
This “Maschil” of David is a contemplation or teaching poem. It was most likely written when David and his men were hiding in a cave when he was escaping from King Saul.
If we trust in the Lord He will direct our paths.

Have you ever been rebuked or reproved by another believer? How did you respond? It takes a great measure of maturity to accept rebuke and see if for our good.
When David looked for human help in Psalm 142 there was no one there. So he looked to the Lord and poured out his heart to Him. Where do you tend to turn first for help? How can you learn with David to turn to the Lord for help instead?

Picture your words as a mighty horse ready to break loose and run. Will you keep your barn door shut?

“Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.” Psalm 141:3
“Let the righteous strike me; it shall be a kindness. And let him rebuke me; it shall be as excellent oil; Let my head not refuse it.” Psalm 141:5