There are times in our lives when we find ourselves in a spiritual battle, and it seems like we are losing. It is normal to experience rejection from those who are not believers in the Lord, because our whole frame of reference for living is different from what is accepted by a secular society. It is possible that there will be suffering of one kind or another because of our open faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Some will avoid us and make it plain that we are not accepted in their group of friends. Others may simply smile and nod, and say, “That’s okay for you. I just don’t believe as you do, so no thanks.” Then there are others who will set out to bring down a believer to where a Christian’s testimony is attacked, and in some cases, even the Christian.
David had suffered many times and in many ways at the hands of the ungodly. In this psalm, it seems like he is seeking God’s help to avoid the temptations that are near. Temptation is a lifelong matter for us. It will come in many different ways and from many different people. Some may seem rather innocent, and others are openly presented. No one is exempt from this problem. It “is common to man.” But our faithful God will not allow more than we can handle, and even then, He makes sure there is a way for us to escape, that we may be “able to bear it.”
The psalmist spoke out loud about this to the Lord with an urgent desire for an answer from the Lord. We may be tempted to sin with our lips by saying things that are not appropriate for a believer, or things that are not even right. So, he prayed to God to hear his plea and give ear to the concern he had. Openness before God in prayer is always good because it leaves no hidden areas in our hearts that deceive us. God knows everything anyway, but sometimes we are inclined to think we have covered ourselves, so the matter is not really known. The sweet incense of open, frank prayer has to be backed up by open and frank obedience to the Lord.
So, with that in mind, the prayer of an earnest petitioner may be open in a general sense in regard to the problems of living and serving the Lord. Specific petitions are needed when it comes to dealing with temptations. If we have a tendency to speak first and think later, that is a problem. We need the “watch” set before our mouths. If we have a problem listening to what another person says without processing what they really mean, that too needs to be expressed before God as a specific matter. Passing quick judgment on another person’s action without knowing the motive behind it should be a specific matter of concern before the Lord.
Our speech must be guarded and our hearts pure to avoid doing what others do who engage in things that are sinful or lead to wickedness, an indulgent lifestyle, and seeking illicit pleasure. The “dainties” of the world are usually tainted with some kind of spiritual poison or at least some things that sour the spiritual taste buds of a child of God.
When we have taken a “bite” of the wrong things, don’t refuse counsel or criticism from the righteous when they take you aside to correct you. It is best to hear it clearly and take it as sound advice from a friend. “The wounds of a friend” are faithful and helpful, and should be welcomed. When we look back in life, we will find we appreciate those who stopped us before we went too far down the wrong road. We have learned also, and too often, by bitter experience, what unguarded words can do to a person. Spoken words follow the desires of the heart. A holy heart is inclined toward the Lord. Around 500 to 700 times a day we open our mouths to speak, and we need the Lord to set a watch before our mouth, faithful friends who know what is best for us, and the common sense to know when to speak and when to be quiet.
When our words become sweet, those who condemn are condemned themselves by the “soft answer” that turns away wrath. The wicked will set traps for the righteous, but this is no surprise. We have learned to accept that because those who are godly expose that which is wicked. The devil will always be seeking to trip us up with whatever seems to be our weak spots, and sometimes our strong points. Deliver us from evil” is a really important part of the prayer of a believer. The psalmist prayed that the schemes of the wicked would backfire on them. Those of us who are saved in this day of grace should keep praying that those who are wicked would repent of their sin and turn to Christ. We pray that they will be turned from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God.
PSALM 141 KEEP THE DOOR OF MY LIPS v.1-2. Desire for an answer. “Lord… I cry… give ear.” v.3-5. Prayer for strength. “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth.” v.6-10. Confidence in justice. “When their judges are overthrown.”