Have you ever felt the urge to defend yourself, to prove that you are right, or to retaliate when you have been wronged? Moments like these can weigh us down and leave our hearts very unsettled. Psalm 141 reminds us that we can bring these burdens honestly before God.

The psalmist, David, felt threatened by the wicked around him, or who had plotted against him. Yet, his deepest concern was not just the traps and snares of the wicked, but the danger within his own heart. He earnestly turned to God, to ask God to guard his lips, steady his steps, and keep him from becoming like those who opposed him. He asked God to protect him not only from the wicked, but also from his own temptation to respond in wickedness. He was asking God to protect him against himself.

This is a prayer that we, too, need. God will hear us with favour and compassion. We do not need to repay wrong for wrong, we can trust God to be our vindicator and judge. We are asked to be perfect, just as our heavenly Father is perfect. We are asked to be set apart. It means that we are called to not mirror the world’s anger, but to reflect the character of our heavenly Father. May we, by His grace, grow in holiness and love.

Prayer:

Dear God, please draw near to me.

May my prayer be a sweet offer to You, a pleasing sacrifice to You.

Guard my heart and my words, dear God.

Keep my thoughts far from evil, my speech from harm, my hands away from wicked deeds.

It is so easy to slip into bitterness, to speak carelessly, to nurture resentment.

But, O God, may I never be so.

Where I have strayed, correct me.

Where I have resisted, discipline me.

Teach me to grow in wisdom.

Teach me to grow in love and in grace.

The paths of the wicked end in Your justice, but You uphold those who take refuge in You.

Because of Your steadfast love, keep me from the snares of evildoers.

Set my feet on firm ground.

Keep me safe, O God.

In Jesus' name. I pray. Amen