Psalms for Turbulent Times - Part 13
PSALM 141
by Jim Jester
July 25, 2021
Scripture Liturgy: Psalm 123: 1-4
This psalm is primarily a lament for the community of Israel, and was likely used in the temple as a liturgy. The first statement is in the first person singular and may have been sung by a priest. The remainder of the psalm is in the first person plural and was probably sung by the congregation.
“Unto Thee … have I lifted up mine eyes” (v. 1). Hard and bitter trial may come in one or more of many ways; but the text points to that of oppression, the cruel treatment of the weaker by the stronger. This may come to us in different forms than the psalmist: the IRS, unfair judges; or more personal problems, such as extreme medical issues and the seemingly endless suffering it brings. Where shall we turn? If there be no escape from it, as there often is not, we must find our refuge in God. When we have vainly looked around for help from man, “we lift up our eyes” to God, to Him that “dwelleth in the heavens.”
- We recognize the fact that He has power to deliver us.
- We believe that in His wisdom, He can interpose on our behalf.
- We are sure that our suffering is not a matter of indifference to His heart, and that our cry enters His ear.
- We must not be impatient, if the time or method of our choice should not prove to be His chosen time or method of deliverance.
- We do well to continue our prayer for relief “until He have pity upon us” and rescue us.
- Meanwhile we should: 1) let our trouble draw us nearer to divine fellowship with our Lord; 2) loosen our tie to this present world; and 3) enable us to give to those that witness our course, another illustration of the upholding grace of God. – Pulpit Commentary