PREVIEW: King David knew his sin problem was very deep—and incredibly troubling. And it wasn’t his problem alone. He knew that humanity was fundamentally flawed because of a sinful nature (“Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you” Psalm 143:2) and that no matter how much we try, we will ultimately steer off the cliff and into personal sin. And from David’s personal experience, he knew that would probably happen early and often. So, he makes his plea for help from above. If sin were to be overcome, it would take a little help from God. Actually, a lot of help. So will we!
A Journey of Worship // Psalm 143:10
David was aware of his inability to live a righteous life before God. That’s not to say he didn’t try or that he dismissed his failures with an, “Oh well, it’s just the way I am. I just can’t help myself.”
David knew the problem was much deeper than that—and much more troubling. And it wasn’t his problem alone. He knew that humanity was fundamentally flawed because of a sinful nature (“Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you” Psalm 143:2) and that no matter how much we try, we will ultimately steer off the cliff into personal sin. And from David’s personal experience, he knew that would probably happen early and often. So, the Sweet Singer of Israel makes his plea for help from above. If sin were to be overcome, it would take a little help from God. Actually, a lot of help:
It would require God’s active mercy: “Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief. (Psalm 143:1)
It would require the daily renewal of God’s loving guidance: “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.” (Psalm 143:8)
It would require God’s constant shepherding to keep David walking in his will and on the straight and narrow path: “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing. “(Psalm 143:10, cf. Psalm 23: 1-4)
Living a godly life is not the easiest road to travel. Our lives are out of alignment because of the sinful nature that got passed down to us from Adam, and by nature, we will continue to drift toward the devil’s ditch. The journey will require a constant effort on our part to overcorrect just to keep on the “narrow way” (Matthew 7:13-14). Most of all, it will take daily dependence on God—day-by-day, perhaps moment-by-moment, coming to him and getting a little help from above.
To live the kind of life God has called us to live, we will need to exercise the same kind of temerity as the kid who wrote this prayer to God: “Jesus, I feel very near to you. I feel like you are beside me all the time. Please be with me this Thursday. I am running in a three-mile race then, and I will need all the speed in the world then. So, if you’re not busy, could you be with me at the starting line, the finish line, and everywhere in between?”
Yeah, that’s what we need: A little help at the start, the finish, and all the way in between!
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