Saturday
As I have been reading these psalms, it has helped me to have just read the story (situation) in which they were written. Have you been able to make that connection? For example:
In yesterday’s reading, we read Psalm 52, that was written after that horrible man Doeg the Edomite went to Saul and tattled on David (1 Sam 22:9-23). Or in today’s reading, Psalm 56 was written when David was in the hands of the Philistines and he pretended to be insane. (1 Sam 21:10-15, also, Psalm 34 was written about this event as well.) In Psalm 141, David is fighting against the temptation to repay evil with evil. He is struggling to not fall into the trap that happens to many of us when we want to hurt those who are hurting us. David asks that he watches what he says. It is often beneficial for us to remain silent before our enemies, don’t let our words or actions bring us down to their level. It will only bring you more harm, more trouble. If we are trying to follow in Jesus’ steps, how did Jesus act before his accusers? He was silent. (Matthew 26:63). I love the proverb which basically says, “It is better to remain silent and only be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.” In this Psalm 141, David also relates that having someone point out the error of your ways is also helpful. Don’t get angry if someone is telling you that you are wrong, (when you are) but instead thank them. It is hard for us to hear criticism but isn’t it better than continuing on doing wrong?
Singing God’s praises
PK