Opening Prayer: O Lord, You are the light that brings us salvation. You have given us life on earth and eternal life. Our strength comes to withstand life’s trials comes from You. When society scoffs and challenges our actions and words, You give us strength and comfort. You, Lord, have the power over the enemy and protect us as we serve You. Whom shall we fear, your power is always with us. Continue to grant us power over the evil one. All praise be to You, Lord Jesus. It is in Your name, we pray. Amen! (Adopted from Psalm 27:1-2).
Today’s Bible Verse: Psalm 69:1-6
Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold. I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me. I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God. Those who hate me without reason outnumber the hairs of my head; many are my enemies without cause, those who seek to destroy me. I am forced to restore what I did not steal. You know my folly, O God; my guilt is not hidden from you. May those who hope in you not be disgraced because of me, O Lord, the Lord Almighty;
Associated Scripture:
The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor (Proverbs 15:33).
The fear of the Lord leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble (Proverbs 19:23).
The fear of the Lord adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short (Proverbs 10:27).
Correlative Quotes:
Our Lord's behavior during his sharpest agonies is no cause of shame to us; he wept, for he was man, but he murmured not, for he was a sinless man; he cried, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; "for he was human, but he added, "Nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt, "for his humanity was without taint of rebellion. In the depths of tribulation, no repining word escaped him, for there was no repining in his heart.[1] – Charles Spurgeon
The two characteristics of this psalm, which is 'one great martyr image,' are—(1.) The fulness of detail of the judgments on the sufferer's foes ; (2.) The prominence of the fact that he suffers for the sake of God. With the curses on the reprobate, vs. 22-28, David in 1 Samuel 26:19; 2 Samuel 3:29.[2] – Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
…“glory to God in the highest.” He satisfied justice he had never injured, though others had; he fulfilled a law, and bore the penalty of it, which he never broke; and made satisfaction for sins he never committed; and brought in righteousness he had not taken away; and provided a better inheritance than what was lost by Adam: and all this was done at the time of his sufferings and death, and by the means of them.[3] – John Gill
INTRODUCTION:
Have you ever been in over your head and you see no way out? When that happens, we tend to feel that everything is lost. There is nowhere to turn. Everyone experiences this form of anxiety at some time in their lives. Some people feel fear in a more dramatic context than others. David felt this type of pressure. Christians should never suffer from the depression that emanates from fear. Anxiety is fear on steroids. It is debilitating fear.
IN OVER MY HEAD
The feeling of suffocation is considered one of the worst reactions to fear we experience. David’s situation was suffocating. He was emotionally in water neck-deep and sinking. He could see no help on the horizon. God was David’s sole hope. He was without any worldly or personal option.
Like the swimmer gasping for breath, exhausted from the treading the waters of life, David was mentally and physically at the end of the rope. Bodily fatigue accompanies emotional distress.
David’s enemies were generally ancient armies from surrounding countries. However, he did face constant opposition from inside Israel. He was continually in fear for his life.
We face internal and external fears. Our internal fears arise from doubting our abilities, questioning our inadequacies, or doubting our value as a person. Externally we are exposed to those who are critical of our actions and words. They find fault with our work and our works. Unmerciful language and taunting are the tools of this world system as they judge us. Their brutal attacks cause us to doubt ourselves.
We must remember that God is always there for us (Romans 8:31). Just as He provided comfort and places for King David to retreat, and gain control of his life, God provides sanctuary for us.
During our lifetime, accusations will be made against us that we cannot defend. Some are so severe they destroy our reputation. When this occurs, our only choice is to wait upon the Lord for renewal and restoration. Jesus will restore our reputation (Isaiah 40:31).
Unbelievers are ready to ridicule actions performed in the name of God. Too often Christians will perform extraordinary acts of kindness, but they avoid assigning the glorify to God for the results. This allows them to avoid criticism or rejection but steals the glory from the Lord.
Romans 8:28 reveals God’s work in us when Paul writes: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. God is responsible for all good works performed. We must give Him the credit when He works through us.
Spiritual Application:
God provides hope in times of fear. He is always there to help us when we feel beaten by the world. Our God helps us breathe when we are breathless and provides strength when we are worn out. The Lord battles the world for us and restores what has been lost. Praise Him for His continued goodness.
Lessons within the Lesson:
Share a time when you felt suffocated.
Explain an experience that overwhelmed you.
State a time when you were falsely accused.
How will God help us in these situations?
[1] Charles Spurgeon, Psalm 69:1-6, Treasury of David, Treasury of David, Vol. III, P. 178
[2] Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset, David Brown, Psalm 69:1-6, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, Ibid., P. 244
[3] John Gill, Psalm 69:1-6, John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible, 1810, archive.org/download/JohnGillsCommentaryOnTheBible, P. 7986.