We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below.
Read Psalm 143 Listen to Psalm 143
Podcast (cnc-daily-psalms): Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:54 — 1.2MB)
I was struck afresh when reading this psalm that even with all the poetic writing there is raw honesty expressed, changing throughout the psalm from fear, depression, anxiety and reminiscence, to longing, trust, as well as humility and confidence. The psalmist lets it all hangout. Thankfully Father God can cope with our honesty. He longs for us to come to him.
But what also comes over is that through all of this the writer is convinced of two things, the unshakeable goodness and lovingkindness of God and also the simple statements: ‘You are my God’, ‘I am your servant’.
This week I went out for a coffee with a friend. We sat down, blankets to hand, and a waiter came and took our order, and a little while later our drinks arrived, which we enjoyed and then later our cups were taken away. This was what I expected to happen, I was served. There was no debate about what I should have for a drink, nor was I later told to put on my marigolds and start washing up!
Unlike my waiter we are more than servants, we are children of God, but following Jesus we are called to lay down our lives daily, taking up our cross in obedience and service.
Father, you are my God, I am your servant. I surrender to you in Jesus name.