Make Haste to Me Psalm 141

A prayer for protection (guard), guidance and direction A psalm of David Time unknown A prayer for protection (guard), guidance and direction

David’s request for guidance (1-5a) Vs. 1, typical of David, “I cry out to You”, Make haste to me and hear my voice

Vs. 2, hopes for his prayer to be acceptable to the LORD David’s request for guidance (1-5a) Vs. 2, hopes for his prayer to be acceptable to the LORD Incense – prayers offered as “a sweet smelling aroma” to God – Revelation 5:8, 8:3-4, Hebrews 13:15-16

Vs. 3-5, qualities of the godly David’s request for guidance (1-5a) Vs. 3-5, qualities of the godly Guard what I say (3) – set a guard over my mouth,… Matthew 15:11, 18-20 James 3:1-12, 1:19, 26 Proverbs 21:23, Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Keeps his soul from troubles.

David’s request for guidance (1-5a) Keep me from evil works (4) – do not incline my heart to evil, to eat the delicacies of men of iniquity We are to be different! 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, 1 Peter 4:3, 1 Corinthians 15:33

Keep me from evil works (4) David’s request for guidance (1-5a) Keep me from evil works (4) Different does NOT mean we leave or isolate ourselves from the world around us – John 17:15-16

Keep me from evil works (4) David’s request for guidance (1-5a) Keep me from evil works (4) Can the Christian enjoy life? Yes! Philippians 4:4 1 Timothy 4:4-5 Ecclesiastes 3:12-13, 5:18- 20

David’s request for guidance (1-5a) Keep me from evil works (4) Can the Christian enjoy life? Yes! God intends for us to enjoy life, BUT with eternity in mind – Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, cf. 11:9. Do NOT make anything an idol, or engage in ungodliness! Moderation is key! Be a good steward

Let the righteous rebuke me (5a) David’s request for guidance (1-5a) Let the righteous rebuke me (5a) Do we appreciate the rebuke of the godly? Sadly, many want their ears tickled – 2 Timothy 2:2-4

Let the righteous rebuke me (5a) David’s request for guidance (1-5a) Let the righteous rebuke me (5a) Christians are to go to their erring brethren – Galatians 6:1-2, James 5:19-20. Do we make this an unpleasant task? (Arrogance, pride, indifference, etc. Some DARE one to question them)

Let the righteous rebuke me (5a) David’s request for guidance (1-5a) Let the righteous rebuke me (5a) If you want heaven, you want to be corrected Matthew 18:15-18, Proverbs 27:6

David’s prayer – against the deeds of the wicked (5b) Keep me from the enemy (5b-10) David’s prayer – against the deeds of the wicked (5b) Often the wicked seem to rule in this world. It is Satan’s domain – 1 John 5:19, 2 Corinthians 4:4 – the god of this age

David’s prayer – against the deeds of the wicked (5b) Keep me from the enemy (5b-10) David’s prayer – against the deeds of the wicked (5b) We may not stop the ungodly, but we can pray! Matthew 5:44, 1 Corinthians 4:12-13, 1 Timothy 2:1-2 It is NOT about hatred of them, but their deeds! Leave it with God!

Their judges are overthrown (6-7) Keep me from the enemy (5b-10) Their judges are overthrown (6-7) Possibly a description of their defeat (even execution). As they perish, they realize David’s goodness and warnings! Cf. 1 Peter 3:16: 2:12, 15

But my eyes are upon You (8) Keep me from the enemy (5b-10) But my eyes are upon You (8) David (typical) trusts in Him. He sees the Lord God as his refuge.

Do not leave my soul destitute (8-9) Keep me from the enemy (5b-10) Do not leave my soul destitute (8-9) When we pray for our enemies, are we praying for wisdom to discern and overcome? Do we pray for deliverance? Ephesians 5:15- 16, Colossians 45 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 2 Corinthians 1:9-11

Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I escape safely (10) Keep me from the enemy (5b-10) Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I escape safely (10) Mild imprecatory psalm. Let ungodliness fail! The wicked WILL answer for their conduct 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10

Do you turn to Him when facing troubles?