Williams Memorial Presbyterian Church

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.  

Isn't life wonderful?  It certainly is when we are well-fed; have warm shelter; clean water for thirst and cleanliness; and when we have an income that provides us with all that we need...in other words, life is wonderful when we are not in need.  Please read Psalm 143 and hear the prayer of someone whose life has been taken away by an "enemy".  Certainly the psalmist is referring to a political enemy.  Read it today with an eye towards and an understanding of an enemy like poverty, hunger, homelessness, joblessness, addiction, mental illness...circumstances in life that diminish self; Circumstances that threaten to destroy life and soul. 
Psalm 143

[1]  Hear my prayer, O LORD;
        give ear to my supplications in your faithfulness;
        answer me in your righteousness.
[2]  Do not enter into judgment with your servant,
        for no one living is righteous before you.

[3]  For the enemy has pursued me,
        crushing my life to the ground,
        making me sit in darkness like those long dead.
[4]  Therefore my spirit faints within me;
        my heart within me is appalled.

[5]  I remember the days of old,
        I think about all your deeds,
        I meditate on the works of your hands.
[6]  I stretch out my hands to you;
        my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Selah

[7]  Answer me quickly, O LORD;
        my spirit fails.
      Do not hide your face from me,
        or I shall be like those who go down to the Pit.
[8]  Let me hear of your steadfast love in the morning,
        for in you I put my trust.
      Teach me the way I should go,
        for to you I lift up my soul.

[9]  Save me, O LORD, from my enemies;
        I have fled to you for refuge.
[10] Teach me to do your will,
        for you are my God.
      Let your good spirit lead me
        on a level path.

[11] For your name's sake, O LORD, preserve my life.
        In your righteousness bring me out of trouble.
[12] In your steadfast love cut off my enemies,
        and destroy all my adversaries,
        for I am your servant.

In so many cases the kinds of enemies that were mentioned above undercut a person's faith.  They chase people away from God instead of leading them into the refuge of his presence.  Even in time of need, the psalmist can declare that although life may not be wonderful, God is good and works his wonders in all circumstances.   I invite you to pray the prayer of the psalmist today on behalf of our neighbors who have been sieged by "an enemy".  May their needs weigh heavy on our hearts and move us to pray and to care and to actively pursue ways of releasing them from the captivity of their enemies.  Peace be with you.     Carol