PSALM 144

1 [A Psalm] of David. Blessed [be] the LORD my Rock, Who trains my hands for war, [And] my fingers for battle– 2 My lovingkindness and my fortress, My high tower and my deliverer, My shield and [the One] in whom I take refuge, Who subdues my people under me. 3 LORD, what [is] man, that You take knowledge of him? [Or] the son of man, that You are mindful of him? 4 Man is like a breath; His days [are] like a passing shadow. 5 Bow down Your heavens, O LORD, and come down; Touch the mountains, and they shall smoke. 6 Flash forth lightning and scatter them; Shoot out Your arrows and destroy them. 7 Stretch out Your hand from above; Rescue me and deliver me out of great waters, From the hand of foreigners, 8 Whose mouth speaks lying words, And whose right hand [is] a right hand of falsehood. 9 I will sing a new song to You, O God; On a harp of ten strings I will sing praises to You, 10 [The One] who gives salvation to kings, Who delivers David His servant From the deadly sword. 11 Rescue me and deliver me from the hand of foreigners, Whose mouth speaks lying words, And whose right hand [is] a right hand of falsehood– 12 That our sons [may be] as plants grown up in their youth; [That] our daughters [may be] as pillars, Sculptured in palace style; 13 [That] our barns [may be] full, Supplying all kinds of produce; [That] our sheep may bring forth thousands And ten thousands in our fields; 14 [That] our oxen [may be] well laden; [That there be] no breaking in or going out; [That there be] no outcry in our streets. 15 Happy [are] the people who are in such a state; Happy [are] the people whose God [is] the LORD!

PSALM 144:1-15

MAN IS LIKE A BREATH

David was just a young shepherd boy tending his father’s flocks when Samuel came to his house. The LORD had told Samuel to anoint the next king of Israel and after passing over all of David’s brothers the prophet broke out the horn of oil for David. Here was Israel’s next king. I imagine David never got over that moment where God called a shepherd boy to lead His people.

David faced a lot of challenges on his way to the throne. He had faced Goliath, had been on the run from Saul, acted insane in the hometown of his enemy, and more. Every step of the way God had watched over him, prepared him, and brought him to the point of being king over Israel.

David now prays for God’s help and provision for Himself and the nation during times of war (Israel still had a lot of enemies) and of peace. In the midst of it all, he can’t help but marvel how God, who is so infinite could/ would/ does even consider men.

David approaches the throne with humility and his eye on the LORD. Should we approach our life any different? Who are we that God should care for us?…but He does.! He knows the details of our lives and has been working in our yesterdays to prepare us for our todays. He knows what we need before we know we need it and so often we never even realize He has been preparing us our whole lives for the role we play in His world.

PRAYER

Father, Who am i that you would be mindful of me? Much less plan the details of my life? I see how you have been working in my yesterdays to prepare me for my todays. I am humbled and i marvel at your personal hand of providence in my life. Let my eyes be on you today and everyday. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

I’m reading and blogging the Psalms Through The Summer. I’d love for you to join me. You can find out a little more here.