So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed. I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. I spread out my hands to you; I thirst for you like a parched land. (Psalm 143:4–6 NIV)

It’s 100° F on my porch. The hydrangea’s leaves cling to the stems, reminding me that I forgot to water the yard yesterday. I must get the watering done before I lose plants to the heat. The ground is parched.

 I feel the heat, too, though it is from more than rising temperatures. Much needs to be done before the new teaching term starts. It’s tempting to spend time on my list, but what I really need is time with God. Like my yard, I need to be refreshed from the pressing heat.

In Psalm 143, David cried for mercy and deliverance from his enemies. His spirit failed because of his circumstances. In his dismay, David turned to the only One who could save him. “Rescue me from my enemies, LORD, for I hide myself in you.” (Psalm 143:9 NIV)

David realized that the Lord was the place to hide from the heat of pursuit. He cried out for the Lord to come to his relief (v.1) He thirsted for God like a parched land (v.6).

When David turned to God, he found relief for his spirit.

We can find refreshment in the Lord like David did. The Lord will quench our thirst with His presence. How? Spend time in prayer.  We can remember the past and meditate on all God’s works and what the Lord had done (v. 5). The psalmist trusted in the Lord; he trusted God with his life. He knew that God would act out of His faithfulness and righteousness (v. 1, 11). The Lord is still the same today. We can trust Him. His love is unfailing (v.12).

I need deliverance from my tendency to focus on my problems. I find that when I choose to spend time with God, He helps me through the rest of the day. My focus is on Him and not on what stresses my spirit. Today, I chose to trust God with my schedule.

Where do you need deliverance?

How have you found God to be trustworthy? Please share in the comments.

Dear Heavenly Father, “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your good Spirit lead me on level ground” (Psalm 143:10 NIV). Amen.

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Scriptures marked NIV are taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION (NIV): Scripture taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®. Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™. Used by permission of Zondervan.