“On Level Ground!”

“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!” (Psalm 143:10 ESV)

There are two thoughts on when David wrote Psalm 143. The first and most accepted is that he wrote it while hiding from Saul. Psalm 142 subscript states, “A Maskil of David, when he was in the cave. A Prayer.”  So, as the following Psalm suggests, it seems likely that this was written at the same time. However, some think it could have been during the time of Absalom’s rebellion as well. Either way, David leads us with such valuable worship and prayer.

We must continually learn about our God; how else can we please Him? As Paul wrote to Timothy, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). We must stay in the Word. How else shall we learn the desires of God for His creation?

Many believe it is not necessary to attend and be part of the body of Christ as a church. Yet this is also where we learn and are edified in the Word of God. An empowered pastor who preaches and expounds the Word of God is a direct vessel for our learning. Even after the sermon and worship have concluded, fellowship and sharing what we've learned with other brothers and sisters help build up the church, and that is what we all should be doing. Paul also wrote, “From whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” (Ephesians 4:16). Paul also taught, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

The Holy Spirit continually opens our minds and eyes to Scripture's meaning. We can read a verse one hundred times. Then the very next time we read it, the Spirit reveals a deeper truth, a connection to other Scripture that had previously lain dormant, waiting for our growing understanding to deepen and reveal a more detailed meaning.

We cannot expect to sit in a worship service and have that be our only means of learning about God. True discipleship happens through devotion. We do this by spending time with others talking about the gospel, even when it may lead to persecution or rejection. Still, we are not the ones being rejected; it is the Gospel of Jesus Christ that is being rejected. We grow in Bible studies, our study of the Word at home, and our meditations on our readings. We grow in fellowship with other believers: “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17)

John the Baptist fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy: “Av voice cries in the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level" (Isaiah 40:3-4). Uneven ground shall become level. Just as David wrote, “Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!” John the Baptist was tasked with announcing the coming of the Lord and, through Scripture and baptism, paved the ground level for Christ to preach the Word. Without hearing, there can be no opening of the doors to salvation. “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17)

Think not that you have “enough” knowledge of God. A truly wise person continually seeks Him, learning and obeying His commands. Allow the Spirit to move you and open your mind to the depths of the Word, and the true light of God will shine through you.

Grace and Peace.