Trust In The Midst Of Trial.

TRUST IN THE MIDST OF TRIAL.

Psalm 141:1-8.

This is a confident cry for help in the midst of tribulations. It is addressed initially to “YHWH,” our covenant Lord (PSALM 141:1). Then later the Psalmist addresses “YHWH Adonai” - emphasising both our personal relationship with Him, and His sovereignty over us (PSALM 141:8a).

David lays out His prayer before the LORD as “incense” (PSALM 141:2a). Cf. Revelation 5:8 - ‘golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of the saints.’

The Psalmist desires that the “lifting up” of his hands in prayer should be as valid as the evening sacrifice, and should thus be acceptable with God (PSALM 141:2b).

David was aware that even praying people need the LORD to guard them against sins in thought, word or deed; and against the dangers of keeping bad company (PSALM 141:3-4).

The Psalmist would rather be reproved by the righteous than feast with the wicked. And he would accept that reproof with humility, remembering to pray for his brethren when they too face calamities (PSALM 141:5).

PSALM 141:6 may refer to the fall of Saul and the eventual advancement of David.

David remained painfully aware that he was not the only believer who would ever suffer. Perhaps he also prophesied of calamities that would yet come upon Israel - and the church - when he said: “Our bones are scattered at the grave’s mouth, as when one (ploughs and breaks up) the earth” (PSALM 141:7).

The Psalmist fixes his “trust” in “GOD the Lord” and prays, “leave not my soul desolate” (PSALM 141:8).

APPLICATION.

Let us look unto Jesus as ‘the author and finisher of our faith’ (cf. Hebrew 12:2). He has promised, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’ (cf. Hebrews 13:5). We can be assured that when we put our trust in Him, He will never leave our soul desolate.