Hear me and hide me

The overall message of Psalm 64 is simply 'hear me and hide me!' The Psalmist calls out to the Lord, asking that his prayers would be heard, and that God would answer these prayers by hiding him from his enemies. 

"Hear me, my God, as I voice my complaint;
protect my life from the threat of the enemy.
Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked,
from the plots of evildoers." - Psalm 64:1-2

Although our times are slightly different, we can still use this formula for our prayers - 'hear the cry of my heart O' God and protect me from my enemies.'

Thought: How can you use this prayer in your personal life today?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Hiding from evil

"Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, from the plots of evildoers." - Psalm 64:2

It is very easy for us as South Africans to draw a parallel from today's reading, to the recent events of looting and violence in our country. It seems clear that those behind the actions plotted and conspired to bring maximum destruction to our communities. 

So, in light of these events, how do read David's words and what do we make of them? Would this mean that we hope God can hide us from the physical evildoers, or is he asking for protection from the fallout of their actions? Or is it a little of both? It is clear that as Christ-followers we will not be exempt from suffering, but what can we expect from God during these times? 

I realise these are tough questions, but they are on everyone's minds at the moment. Perhaps my response is too simplistic for some, but I want to believe that I can turn to God for help in my time of need and that God will protect me from the 'evil one.' This doesn't mean that I will never face trials or sorrow, but I see it as God's promise to keep my 'soul/spirit/life' safe from the clutches of the enemy. Even in ultimate death I can know that I am in the strong hands of my loving Saviour.

"Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings." - Psalm 17:8

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Proverbs 23 - Soak yourself

Capetonians don't have the luxury of having a soaking bath anymore, but I am sure we can all remember a moment where a long bath helped alleviate much stress. So, if you can imagine yourself getting into a soaking hot bath, then add Solomon's thoughts into the mix - he suggests that we rather soak ourselves into the 'Fear of God.'


Don’t for a minute envy careless rebels;
    soak yourself in the Fear-of-God—
That’s where your future lies.
    Then you won’t be left with an armload of nothing. - Proverbs 23:17-18 (Message)

His suggestion seems very weird and awkward, but his point is this: "By submerging ourselves in AWE of God, we are ready to give our all to God and not focus on temporary things. When we are fully covered by God's presence we know that God will cleanse us and renew our hearts.

Thoughts?

Psalm 17:8 - Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings

Living in Grace
D3LM3