Keep Me From Evil
Lord, set up a guard for my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.
Psalm 141:3 (CSB)
Jesus dedicated time to instruct his disciples on how to pray, giving us what is known as the Lord’s Prayer. In this prayer, Jesus highlighted the necessity of coming to the Lord and requesting deliverance from evil. This theme is not unique to the Lord's Prayer; it recurs in Psalm 141, where David asks the Lord to safeguard him from the temptations that could lead him to commit evil acts. Psalm 141 emphasizes the significance of seeking the Lord for protection against the dangers of succumbing to evil.
Ask For The Lord’s Protection. David exemplifies how to seek the Lord's protection. He approaches with confidence, trusting that the Lord will hear and respond to his pleas. This assurance stems from the Lord's consistent faithfulness in David's life and David's own faithful response to the Lord's promises and actions.
Today, we need to seek the Lord’s protection through prayer. This prayer should come from a heart filled with faith and trust, rooted in certainty because we find our rest in the Lord. We must remember God's historical faithfulness in our lives and cling to the assurance of His promises for the future. These two aspects form the basis for approaching the Lord in prayer for protection.
Guard Against Social Conformity. David recognized that social relationships and norms might lure individuals away from the Lord's teachings and into worldly ways. He aimed to protect himself from these dangers and chose to follow God's path. In Romans 12, the Apostle Paul highlighted the risk of conforming to societal pressures and urged believers to embrace transformation. Aware of this danger, David actively sought to resist conformity.
Today, we exist in a culture that insists we accept and embrace its practices. The world seeks to alter what God has already established and clarified. We should evaluate our lives to identify where we might be tempted to conform to the world's methods and messages. Once we pinpoint these areas, we need to take appropriate steps to protect our lives, enabling us to live in a transformed manner.
Protective Steps. We need to implement protective measures to resist the temptation to conform to the ways of the world and engage in wrongdoing. First, we must acknowledge the threat. Living with vigilance enables us to identify the dangers that can lead us to sin. We should be aware of fleshly desires, societal values we might conform to, and the relentless attacks from evil forces. By recognizing these threats, we actively confront temptation.
Secondly, we must confront the threat. Once identified, we need to protect ourselves from the overwhelming temptation. The dangers of living for the Lord can come from many angles, targeting our vulnerable spots. To effectively shield ourselves, we should evaluate our weaknesses and strengthen those areas against the perils of the world.
Third, we should find rest in the Lord. The strength required to stay alert and vigilant does not originate from us; rather, the power, strength, and assurance we need come solely from the Lord. By resting in the Lord, we embrace complete trust, recognizing that He fortifies and safeguards us. Therefore, resting in the Lord signifies discovering peace and triumph through Him alone.
Fourth, we should seek righteousness. In pursuing righteousness, we aim to understand the ways of the Lord and follow them faithfully. This pursuit involves illuminating the Lord's presence and living in obedience. A life dedicated to pursuing righteousness is one that continually seeks to worship the Lord through obedience.
We need to seek the Lord's protection as we journey through life. As Christ's followers, we encounter temptations that divert us from His ways and will. Therefore, it’s vital to implore the Lord for strength, ability, and guidance to triumph over the surrounding temptations of evil.
QUESTIONS
Are you seeking the Lord in prayer for deliverance from the snare you are trapped in or the temptation you face?
How does social perspectives threaten our relationship with the Lord? Why is social conformity dangerous?
