The Essential Jesus (Part 4): Psalms About a SaviorSample

Deep Waters

PRAY: Heavenly Father, please give me a deeper sense of your presence and priorities as I read your word today.

READ: Psalm 69:1-36

REFLECT: The psalms have always been the most meaningful to me when I am in trouble. I remember being part of a financial collapse in a ministry so overwhelming that I thought I'd never get out. On the outside, I was going through the motions of my normal life, but inside, all I could think about was the looming crisis. In desperation, I read the psalms over and over; it was enormously helpful to read the heart cries of people who had nowhere else to turn but God.

That's what's happening in this Psalm 69. David is in "deep waters" (vv. 2, 14) and calling for God's help. It's not clear what particular problem David faced. But it is clear that "the man after (God's| own heart" (Acts 13:22) had gotten himself into "a big old jam." God doesn't help us because we are perfect. He helps us because, in our desperation, we turn to him.

Note how David responded to his overwhelming problem. First, he honestly described the situation to God (Psalm 69:1-4). Next, he examined his heart first instead of pointing fingers at others (vv. 5-6). Sometimes God uses a crisis to expose the sins we've been unable or unwilling to confess to him. Finally, David makes his request known to God (vv. 13-18) and takes time to praise God (vv. 30-36).

This psalm was especially meaningful to Jesus. He quoted it when explaining why the world hated him and his followers John 15:25). He, no doubt, saw his suffering on the cross echoed in the statement "they persecute those you wound" (Psalm 69:26). It turns out that the references to gall and vinegar (v. 21) are prophetic of the details of Jesus' death (Matthew 27:34, 45). The disciples, too, were familiar with this psalm, seeing it as an explanation for Jesus' clearing of the temple (John 2:17).

Take a minute to read these verses and marvel at how they've spoken so poignantly to struggling people down through the ages, whether they be David, Jesus, the disciples, me, or you.

APPLY: What is the biggest crisis you face at the moment? What do you think God might be trying to say to you through it?

PRAY: Lord, I'm so thankful I don't have to be perfect for you to help or love me. Forgive me for not turning to you first when I get in a jam.