Are your words and actions reflecting a heart devoted to God?
Psalm 141 is a heartfelt plea from David, asking God to guard his speech, keep him from sin, and protect him from the influence of the wicked. It reminds us that a life of holiness requires not only avoiding evil but actively seeking God’s guidance and correction.
Key Verse:
“Set a guard, Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.” – Psalm 141:3 (NASB)
Background Context:
Psalm 141 is a prayer of David, written during a time of distress. He asks God for help in staying righteous, even when surrounded by wickedness. He longs for his prayers to be like incense before God, showing his desire for purity in both words and actions. This psalm teaches us to be mindful of what we say, resist sinful influences, and remain humble before God.
(Continued and expanded after scripture.)
An Evening Prayer for Sanctification and Protection.
A Psalm of David.
1O LORD, I call upon You; hasten to me!
Give ear to my voice when I call to You!
2May my prayer be counted as incense before You;
The lifting up of my hands as the evening offering.
3Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth;
Keep watch over the door of my lips.
4Do not incline my heart to any evil thing,
To practice deeds of wickedness
With men who do iniquity;
And do not let me eat of their delicacies.
5Let the righteous smite me in kindness and reprove me;
It is oil upon the head;
Do not let my head refuse it,
For still my prayer is against their wicked deeds.
6Their judges are thrown down by the sides of the rock,
And they hear my words, for they are pleasant.
7As when one plows and breaks open the earth,
Our bones have been scattered at the mouth of Sheol.
8For my eyes are toward You, O GOD, the Lord;
In You I take refuge; do not leave me defenseless.
9Keep me from the jaws of the trap which they have set for me,
And from the snares of those who do iniquity.
10Let the wicked fall into their own nets,
While I pass by safely.
Reflection on Psalm 141:
-
Guarding Our Words:
David prays that God would set a guard over his mouth (Psalm 141:3). Words have the power to build up or destroy, to bless or to harm. Are you asking God to help you speak with wisdom and grace? -
Avoiding Sinful Influences:
David asks God to keep his heart from being drawn toward evil (Psalm 141:4). The company we keep and the choices we make impact our spiritual lives. Are you surrounding yourself with influences that draw you closer to God or pull you away? -
Receiving Righteous Correction:
David welcomes correction from the righteous, seeing it as a kindness rather than an offense (Psalm 141:5). Do you humbly accept godly correction, or do you resist when others challenge you to grow? -
Trusting God’s Justice:
Instead of taking matters into his own hands, David entrusts justice to God (Psalm 141:6-7). He understands that God sees all and will deal with the wicked in His time. Are you trusting God’s justice instead of seeking revenge or harboring bitterness? -
Keeping Our Eyes on the Lord:
David ends by reaffirming his trust in God (Psalm 141:8). In a world filled with temptation and corruption, keeping our focus on God is the key to remaining steadfast. Are your eyes fixed on Him in times of trouble?
Summary Key Points:
- Pray for a guarded mouth: Words have power, and we must use them wisely.
- Resist sinful influences: Be mindful of what you allow into your heart and mind.
- Welcome godly correction: Humility leads to growth in righteousness.
- Trust in God’s justice: Let go of vengeance and trust God to make things right.
- Keep your focus on God: He is our refuge and source of strength.
Application:
Examine your speech, influences, and heart attitudes. Ask God to help you guard your words, avoid sinful traps, and accept correction with humility. Keep your focus on Him, trusting that He will sustain and guide you.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, set a guard over my mouth and keep my heart from sin. Help me to walk in righteousness, to surround myself with godly influences, and to accept correction with humility. Keep my eyes fixed on You, and let my life reflect Your holiness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John Golda
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