MEDITATIONS
FROM THE PSALMS
February 23, 2005
Reading
“For I am Your servant” Ps 143:12
My soul, as is so often the case, the words of the text are a vital part
of the entire Psalm. For while the truth it contains is wonderful in itself, it
is even more so when contemplated in the context of the Psalm. For you, as one
purchased by the precious blood of Jesus, to joyfully declare that you are His
servant, also humbly declares that He is your Master. This is servitude which
brings joy, comfort, and strength to you. Jesus is your Master to whom you have
willingly dedicated your life. No servant ever had such a relationship with its
Master as that which you enjoy with Jesus.
Read again this Psalm in the light of our text:
“Hear my prayer, O
LORD, Give ear to my supplications! …For I am Your
servant.”
“In Your
faithfulness answer me … For I am Your servant.”
“Do not enter into
judgment with Your servant, … For I am Your servant.”
“I remember the
days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I muse on the
work of
Your hands. … For I am Your servant.”
“Answer me
speedily, O LORD … For I am Your servant.”
“Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust; …
For I
am Your
servant.”
“Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; …. (and)
I am Your servant.”
Does this thought not stir your heart to confidence in Him who declared
Himself to be your Master? The Psalmist declared his trust in his Master. My
soul, do you really trust your Master? What is your burning
need? Master, I ask You to meet my need because I am
Your servant.
As the old Hebrew law allowed, a servant could request a permanent
relationship with his master, but he first had to declare, “I love my master” (Exod 21:5). Herein lies the
difference between most human relationships and the divine. Do you love Him, my
soul? Then tell Him often for He will never tire of hearing it. Do not shy away
from requesting that which is heavy on your heart, ask Him and remind Him that
you are His servant and that you love Him.
Dear Master of my
soul, I love you with all of my heart. I think back on all you have done for me
because You love me—accept my thanks. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me
in the land of uprightness. … For I am Your servant.
“LORD,
truly I am Your servant; I am Your servant, the son of
Your maidservant; You have loosed my bonds. I will offer to You
the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD” Ps
116:16-17.