Psalm 141 – Choosing to walk in sanctification

As we have said earlier, the theme of Psalm 141 is similar to that of the previous Psalm. It essentially shows how David, the author, responded to threatening situations in his life. And like the previous one, he also petitioned to God for deliverance from the snares the wicked had laid for him.

In this Psalm David began by indicating his total reliance on God. The first thing he did was to call upon Him. Like him we should make calling on God our first option and not our last resort. So he prayed that God would accept him and would come to his assistance and quickly rescue him. Like anyone else, David could have reacted and retaliated in the flesh, and used his own wit to deal with his enemies. But he chose instead to turn to God. Drawing near, he chose the path of restrain and prayed for strength to do the right thing. In verses 3-4, he sought to walk in sanctification. He refused to speak wickedly, or entertained wicked intention in his heart leading to wicked action, and thus would partake of what the wicked were prone to partake.     

Verses 5-6 show that David could accept any reproof. He was even prepared to endure any hardship that would come from the hand of the righteous. But while he was prepared to learn any lesson that came from their hands, he was still against any evil intention they might have, and he prayed against them. David was confident that they, the rulers, would be defeated, who would then be more receptive to the righteous words that would proceed from his mouth. Verses 7-8 seem to express that David was close to the jaws of death. Even then, he would look to God and trust His deliverance. At this point many would have given up but not David. He chose to persist to the end. He then lifted a prayer and asked to be delivered from the trap his enemies had laid for him. David wished that they would themselves be caught in the snare of their own making.   

It is easy to react because of our fallen tendency. We would do well to emulate David and choose to turn from acting wickedly. God often allows us to encounter some things so that through them we will be sanctified. Instead of murmuring and complaining, we should turn to God. Here Paul gives us a useful advice. In Philippians 4:6 he encourages us, saying “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” As we pray let us trust God to deliver us from all needless trials.