We need only ask ∙

We need only ask ∙

Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow. – Psalms 25:4

Psalms 143:4-11 

 4 I am losing all hope; I am paralyzed with fear.

 5 I remember the days of old. I ponder all your great works and think about what you have done.

 6 I lift my hands to you in prayer. I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain.

 7 Come quickly, LORD, and answer me, for my depression deepens. Don’t turn away from me, or I will die.

 8 Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.

 10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.

 11 For the glory of your name, O LORD, preserve my life. Because of your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress.

Who has not gotten lost sometimes? Being lost and feeling helpless is a scary experience, no matter how old you are. However, knowing what to do when you get lost can have a major effect on whether the incident is empowering or traumatic. The best advice, particularly for children, is to have a safety plan. Your safety plan defines what to do if and when you get lost.

Children are advised to take the following steps when separated from the adults in their life.

1. STOP!

2. Stand tall and strong if it is safe to stay where you are. Otherwise, go to the nearest place that is safe.

3. Look around for your adults. Most of the time, when children think they are lost from their adults, they are actually close by. Take a minute to stop and look; you may find them again.

4. If you cannot see the adults you came with, yell out the names you use to call them.

5. If that doesn’t work, ask a woman with children for help. Statistically, a woman with children is least likely to harm a lost child (kidpower.org).

Feeling lost looks different for everyone. When David felt lost spiritually and emotionally, his spirit was overwhelmed. He experienced a sense of emptiness, panic, and even desolation. He appeals to the Father for help. David was a man after God’s heart. He models an excellent safety plan for the rest of us when we encounter similar dilemmas.

REFLECT & PRAY

May my repeated prayer be, teach me to do your will, for you are my God (Psalms 143:10).

Father I often have felt lost and separated from You. I know that that can never be. But being human, I feel that way anyway. Thank You are always there. I need only to ask.

INSIGHT

David’s core priority is to please the Father, to discover His will, and do it. It is not about self-fulfillment but instead about completing the Father’s plan for his life. He needs more than direction. He needs to be shepherded. He entrusts himself totally to the Father. And he desires that the Father will do work within him.

Psalms 143:4-6

 4 I am losing all hope; I am paralyzed with fear.

 5 I remember the days of old. I ponder all your great works and think about what you have done.

 6 I lift my hands to you in prayer. I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain.

Amid these dire circumstances, David is paralyzed with fear and has lost all hope. But remarkably, his mind begins to drift towards thoughts of his heavenly Father. He recalls and ponders who the Father is and all He has done. He reminisces. Repeatedly the Father has saved the people of Israel from grave situations. David’s thinking is straightforward. His un-verbalized thoughts are, “Father if You have done it before, You can do it again.” In total dependence upon the Father’s character and essence, David boldly lifts his heart and soul to Him during his great distress. He is confident that the Father will intervene.

Psalms 143:7 Come quickly, LORD, and answer me, for my depression deepens. Don’t turn away from me, or I will die.

David emphasizes how serious the situation is. His despondency and despair are escalating. He is about to drop off the cliff. He beseeches the Father, fearing that he might spiral down to death itself.

Psalms 143:8 Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.

David totally entrusts himself to the Father. He places his life in His Father’s hands.

Psalms 143: 10-11

 10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.

 11 For the glory of your name, O LORD, preserve my life. Because of your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress.

David is very specific and earnestly seeks the Father’s guidance and deliverance.  However, his aspirations extend beyond mere deliverance. David yearns for wisdom and instruction in the Father’s ways. He asks that the Father graciously direct him to safety. More specifically, he asks that the good and gracious Spirit direct him on an uncomplicated path, free from obstacles and hardships. He asks the Father to save his life and bring him out of distress.

David’s appeals are not based upon his own inherent righteousness or goodness.  David identifies himself intimately with the Father, considering himself as the Father’s devoted servant. David recognizes that his mission is unfinished and seeks the Father’s guidance and assistance to fulfill it. Moreover, there is a profound identification between David and the Father, signifying their inseparable connection. The Father is also identified with David. The Father’s reputation is tied to the outcome.

David does not attempt to bargain with the Father. He has no leverage within himself. Instead, David approaches the Father with reverence. He appeals to the Father based on the Father’s character, nature, and personality. He declares in humble adoration, “You are my God.” 

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 3-27-1

© Dr. H 2023