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Daily Devotion: Psalm 143:8 and 10

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Psalm 143:8    "Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee."

Psalm 143:10    "Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness."


This is a continuation of the prayer for seeking the Lord's will, protection, and purpose for our lives. David acknowledged his thirst for the Lord and need for God's presence in his life.  At times, we may suffer a dryness within our spirits. There can be different reasons for that season of dryness to come upon us, such as sickness, struggles in everyday life, and even a lack of God's Word, prayer, and interaction with the Lord on a daily basis. We read back in Psalm 42:1, "As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God."  

David understood this symptom of dryness in spirit, but thank God, he also understood where to go to find the remedy for it. His prayers unto God are very much down to earth. That is the reason I enjoy reading and studying the Psalms.  In this particular Psalm, David is pouring out his heart to God by seeking to hear that sweet familiar voice that speaks to the heart. It isn't an audible voice, but it is very distinct.  It is a voice of direction for our lives. It is a voice of correction when we need it. But ultimately, just as is said in verse 8, the voice of God lifts "up my soul unto thee."  His voice draws us into His very presence.  That is the remedy for dryness of spirit when nothing seems to make sense or fit into the scheme of life where all is well within our hearts and minds.

But there is another aspect of hearing the voice of God which is experienced when we do His will. (Verse 10). It is one thing to hear the voice of God, but great peace and joy is experienced when we put into action those things that He speaks to us. The book of James tells us that we are to be "doers of the Word" and not just hearers.  It is when we can see God in action in our lives (as we obey Him) that we experience the fullness of joy which is promised by being in His presence.

Trust and Obey
by John H. Sammis

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still
And with all who will trust and obey

Trust and obey, for there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey

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