Psalm 143; Acts 17:16-34

Psalm 143
This is a prayer in the midst of deep trouble. In David's case, it was a soldier's prayer. He apparently was feeling hopeless, fearful, and depressed. v. 3-7  It seems that we have seen quite a few psalms with this theme reminding us that this is a pretty common human condition!

How did David deal with this?

• He remembered God's characteristics and His works. God is faithful and righteous. v. 1, 5 The only way we will be in the mindset to meditate on God and His works is to remain regularly in His Word. There are no shortcuts.
• He remembered his own weakness.  v. 2-4 The world tells us to reach down and find strength within ourselves, but the Bible teaches us that this is not enough. We need God's strength!
• He prayed and asked for help. v. 6-10  
• He trusted God to answer and meet his needs. v. 8  "Trust" is a good word to meditate on. When we truly trust God, we don't worry or doubt. We place our lives in His hand.
• He determined to do God's will. v. 10  Notice that he wasn't asking God to bring about his own (David's) will, but he was committed to do God's will

Remember that the Bible is not just a history book, but these things are recorded for our good, to teach us how to handle our troubles. David has left us a wonderful example to follow.

Acts 17:16-34
This section opens with Paul waiting in Athens for his friends, Silas and Timothy. Athens was a city given over to idols, and this troubled Paul. He went to the synagogue as well as the public square to reason with the people. He was even involved in a debate with some of the philosophers. They didn't seem to understand or accept his words about Jesus, but they were interested in learning something new. Athens was apparently a city interested in ideas and intellectual pursuits. v. 19-21

Paul's address to them begins in v. 22. Notice how tactful, gracious, and respectful he was to them. He noticed one of their own altars with the inscription, "To an Unknown God."  He went on to say, "This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I'm telling you about." He tells them all about the one true living God, the creator and Lord of heaven and earth. He told them that God wants "everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him." He told them about Jesus whom God had raised from the dead. Many rejected the message, but some became believers. This is probably the way it always is. Many reject, but some will believe. We don't know who will believe and so it's our job to do what we can to tell them all.