Psalm 144

Published: Oct. 25, 2020, 8 a.m.

We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 144  Listen to Psalm 144 As I read this song, I see David the fugitive hiding in the caves on the Judean hills. King Saul is full of hatred and his army is in pursuit to eliminate God’s chosen king. The conflict is one sided. Saul deceives, shakes David’s hand with a smile, whilst clutching a knife to stab him in the back (The Message verses 8 and 11). David however plays by the rules, for God trains him to fight fair and well (verses 1-2). God is his rock and security. A stronghold and fortress on the slippery heights. Yet he is amazed and humbled by the fact that God “bothers with him.” David says what is ethereal man that you care for him? (verses 3-4). During unfair conflict, it is Ok to shout at God (verses 5-6) and demand supernatural intervention. So be real with God. We all have battles we are fighting in our life circumstances: temptation, anxiety, fear depression, financial distress, health, work, or relationships (Nicky Gumbel). We have an adversary, Satan, who hates those who follow Jesus. Christ is the one who stepped down from Heaven (verse 5) and gives us the victory (verse 10). In the last verses, David is now singing a new song of praise and vows commitment to his saviour and dedication of his family to follow God. As he makes that covenant, he sees blessings for his children and prosperity for the land. “No cry of distress in the streets” (verse 14). Blessed are the people who have all this who let God be their Lord (The Message verse 15). Lord, as we face another pandemic where people will die prematurely and lack of prosperity due to unemployment; help me to realise you care for even me and your ear is open to my voice. The final victory is yours.