A Prayer For The Nation

Psalms 144:1–15
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David was the General MacArthur of his day, a conquering hero. He begins this stirring psalm by remembering past victories and enemies who have been subdued under him (v. 2). He had a personal relationship with God who is strong, solid, and immovable, yet warm, loving, and intimate. David went forth in God’s strength to crush his enemies in battle. His attributes sustained him and made him bold and courageous.

Many writers believe that when David took flight from King Saul his men and he sought safety at the fortress of Massada. Massada is located about two and one-half miles from the western shore of the Dead Sea and is a mountain plateau about thirteen hundred feet above the valley below.  They say the reference to “my fortress” and “my high tower” (v.2) is a comparison of Massada to the strength of Jehovah. Life is short. David reminds us that it is “like a breath” and that our “days are like a passing shadow” (v. 4). James says that our lives are “a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanished (James 4:14). Because time is short, we should live for God while we have the time. Don’t waste your life by doing things that have no purpose and no lasting value.   

The sayings of Psalm 18 and some of the other Psalms are found in this Psalm. It begins with an outburst of praise for the Lord (vv.1, 2). Then it points out the insignificance of man (vv.3, 4) followed by a strong plea for God to intervene and destroy his enemies (vv.5-8). Then the Psalmist praises the Lord for bringing salvation (vv.9-11), security (v. 12) and prosperity (vv.13-14) and closes with “happy is the people, whose God is the Lord” (v.15).

Application

I pray that the Lord will take control of our economy, our national security, and national affairs so that all nations will know that He is our God. One thing I can do to help is to show people that true happiness is found in those “whose God is the Lord”.