FRIDAY, JULY 27
Psalm 25:1-22
Psalm 43:1-5

“… than to put confidence in princes.”

LIGHTS AND SHADOWS FROM DAVID’S HEART-CHAMBER

This Psalm (David’s Second Penitential Psalm) was composed in David’s old age for he reminisces the sins of his youth (Ps 25:7). And considering his reference to many enemies, this Psalm could have been written amidst rumours of a conspiracy against his rule, the chief plotter being his son Absalom. David, as usual, looked up to God for help. A broken and contrite heart before Him, he first looked in to examine his innermost being for purification before facing up to his foes. Moral power is the sustenance of physical power. David’s heart was firmly anchored in God. “It is the mark of a true saint that his sorrows remind him of his sins, and his sorrow for sin drives him to his God” (Spurgeon).

This Psalm is the first to be composed in the pattern of an acrostic. The acrostic is based on the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet, hence it has twenty-two verses. An acrostic Psalm can assist the memory. The Holy Spirit in inspiring a writer of the Sacred Scriptures can use the literary art or form of any language to express His thoughts. Hebrew poetical construction seems to suit His purpose, particularly the pattern set forth by David, progenitor of Hebrew poetry.

The emotional stirrings on our heart-strings are mirrored on our countenance! Can you see the expressions on David’s face? Whatever be your troubles, learn this lesson from David’s vocabulary: “Never say die. Say, Lord, save me!” Suicide is self-murder that lands one in hell. Two moods are discovered in this Psalm: prayer and meditation. They are seen to alternate as follows:

A. Prayer (v 1-7), B. Meditation (v 8-10),
A. Prayer (v 11), B. Meditation (v 12-15),
A. Prayer (v 16-22)

By prayer and meditation, by meditation and prayer, our heart is cultured to a closer communion with God. Lights and shadows, shadows and lights.

THOUGHT: (Read Psalm 43:5.)
PRAYER: Lord, may I learn to constantly pray and meditate on Thy Word.