Today’s Quiet Time: Blessed Are the Humble – Psalm 41:1-13
May God speak to your heart and into your life as you take part in Today’s Quiet Time: Blessed Are the Humble – Psalm 41:1-13
Dec 8, 2022 (THU)
Blessed Are the Humble
Psalm 41:1-13
Scripture (NIV)
¹ Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the LORD delivers them in times of trouble.
² The LORD protects and preserves them— they are counted among the blessed in the land— he does not give them over to the desire of their foes.
³ The LORD sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness.
⁴ I said, “Have mercy on me, LORD; heal me, for I have sinned against you.”
⁵ My enemies say of me in malice, “When will he die and his name perish?”
⁶ When one of them comes to see me, he speaks falsely, while his heart gathers slander; then he goes out and spreads it around.
⁷ All my enemies whisper together against me; they imagine the worst for me, saying,
⁸ “A vile disease has afflicted him; he will never get up from the place where he lies.”
⁹ Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.
¹⁰ But may you have mercy on me, LORD; raise me up, that I may repay them.
¹¹ I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me.
¹² Because of my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever.
¹³ Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen.
Reflection on Today’s Quiet Time: Blessed Are the Humble
The Root of Blessedness (41:1–4)
David speaks of the favor, provision, and protection that the righteous enjoy from the Lord. He goes on to confess his sins to God and ask for His mercy, implying that humility and confession are closely related to salvation and blessing. This might come as a surprise to many of us who think that God is most pleased by our spiritual discipline, fruitful ministry, and zealous evangelism. These are all valuable things that we should earnestly pursue, but the root of blessedness is much more simple. It comes with a sober recognition of our sin and our need for God’s saving grace. Everything in the Christian life should flow from this posture of humility.
What would your life be like if not for the grace of God? How can you incorporate confession into your daily prayers?
READ:Today’s Quiet Time: David’s Testimony According to Psalm 40:1-10
The Sting of Betrayal (41:5–13)
David’s complaints against his enemies culminate in a description of betrayal: a close friend with whom David shared his bread has now turned against him. If this verse sounds strangely familiar, it is because it is a prophetic revelation of Judas Iscariot, who ate from the same bowl as Jesus and then, that very same night, handed Him over to His executioners (Matt. 26). Betrayal is one of the most painful things a person can experience, and the Son of God endured it for our sake. But just as God upheld David and did not let his enemies triumph, He lifted up His Son and gave Him victory over the Enemy. And though we may also experience painful seasons in our relationships, that victory is also ours.
READ:Xmas or Christmas? What are the differences? Are they the same? Hmmm! Let us take a look
When have you experienced betrayal by a loved one? How does God give you comfort when other people hurt you?
READ: Today’s Quiet Time: Spirit of Brokenness – Psalm 40:11-17
Prayer based on Today’s Quiet Time: Blessed Are the Humble
Dear God, You have called me to live faithfully before You in this sinful world. Help me to maintain a humble spirit of repentance and patience in the face of my trials and enemies. In Jesus’ name, amen.
