Psalm 141

This psalm, in theme, follows closely behind yesterday's psalm (140). David continues his diatribe against evil forces, but there is a level of self-reflection here that is absent in other psalms. David is afraid of becoming that which he despises.

This makes sense, if you look at the full Goliath story. "Everybody" knows the David and Goliath story. David, as a shepherd boy, uses a sling to take down the most fearsome (and technologically advanced) soldier of his day. David decapitates the enemy Goliath and puts his sword and armor in the Tabernacle as a sign of victory (1 Samuel 17). But the story does not end there.

In 1 Samuel 21, David is on the run from Saul and stops by the Tabernacle to meet with the priest and get supplies. One of the things he needs is a sword, still in the mind to fight. The only sword left is Goliath's- the most advanced sword in the world. David knows it is a powerful weapon, there is no sword like it. But you can't help but see in the story, as David picks up the sword (ready to go to Gath- Goliath's hometown), that he is becoming the man he defeated.

And so when David prays, he prays that God would protect him from the man he is becoming. He prays against a weary heart that would succumb to temptation, against a loose tongue that can cause damage, and that his voice would be used for prayer. David does not even want to enjoy the spoils of wickedness, as they might tempt him further.

And so what is David's prayer request? Accountability. David accepts the rebuke (and even the slap) of a righteous man, even embracing the power of accountability. David's request is answered in Nathan, who is the only person to confront David about his affair with Bathsheba.

I have a Nathan in my life- a few of them, actually, people who save me from the person I am becoming and help shape a path to become someone different. We all need accountability in our lives, people who will give us the rebuke we need. I hope that today you find that.