City Life Starter

I. The Word: Psalm 143:7-10

Answer me quickly, Lord;

    my spirit fails.

Do not hide your face from me

    or I will be like those who go down to the pit.

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,

    for I have put my trust in you.

Show me the way I should go,

    for to you I entrust my life.

Rescue me from my enemies, Lord,

    for I hide myself in you.

Teach me to do your will,

    for you are my God;

may your good Spirit

    lead me on level ground.

II. Reflection Questions

[1] Does God answer the prayers of His children call out to Him?

[2] Does He answer according to the way that we expect, or according to His heavenly wisdom?

[3] Are you eagerly, desperately, thoroughly craving after God, to the extent that your soul needs only His unfailing love?

[4] Can you see some of the evidence of God leading you “on level ground,” as you “hide yourself” in Him?

By Jason Schezer

David, the psalmist, is convinced that his God is capable of hearing his prayer, and answering his prayer without fail, with mighty power, for good purposes that result in honor to God and the ultimate security and purpose in his life. That David believed these attributes belong to God is evidenced by the content of his prayer. David is also fully convinced that in his desperate situation, God is his only possible source of deliverance.

David does not want God to hide His face from him (“Do not hide your face from me…” verse 7) but does realize that his very life, his very existence, must be hidden in God so that he can be rescued from his enemies and from all danger. Only when David’s life is hidden in God will he then experience a definite deliverance from the perils at hand. (“Rescue me from my enemies, Lord, for I hide myself in you.” verse 9).

In order for David to hide in God, he must decide that his security, ultimately, depends upon the watchful care of God Almighty and not upon David himself. Though David had his armed men with him, they could only act as limited agents with a finite sphere of defensive abilities. David’s heart is completely given up to God’s purposes and His perfect will.

Colossians 3:1-4 says, “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.”

How can a believer “hide” in God? It seems too mysterious; too far outside our grasp. Psalm 91 sheds some very real light on this question. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Highest will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust’.” (verses 1-2). “Because he loves me, says the LORD, I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.” (verses 14-16).

Application: As believers in Christ, we no longer live our own lives, and if you can accept it, we are not even living at all, but He is living His glorious life through us. Make very sure that you reflect on the truth that God has given you this day; He longs to show you evidence, as in reflection question #4 above, that He is indeed leading you on level ground as you hide in Him. It may be a steep climb; there may be loose rocks on the path that cause you to stumble, but the level ground is coming in God’s perfect timing. He will plant your feet firmly upon the solid rock. You may be very sure that He will not fail you. Seek Him in all that you do.

Prayer: Psalm 143:10(a) “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.” Amen.