Message Notes

INTRODUCTION

1. A number of synonyms for the word “Meditate”

a) Contemplate

b) Ruminate

c) Ponder

d) Reflect

e) Muse

2. Each word adds nuances to the word “Meditate”

a) Illustrate

b) Insight

c) Impact

d) Inspiration

3. Each Individual “Meditator” contributes to our understanding

a) Asaph

b) Unknown Psalmist

c) King David

REAL LIFE TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS

1. Enemies in life

a) Persecution

“The enemy has persecuted my soul”   Psalm 143:3a

b) Crushed

“He has crushed my life to the ground”   Psalm 143:3b

c) Darkness

“He has made me dwell in darkness”   Psalm 143:3c

2. Negative Responses

a) Overwhelmed

“Therefore, my spirit is overwhelmed within me”   Psalm 143:4a

b) Distress

“My heart within me is distressed”   Psalm 143:4b

c) A failing spirit

“My spirit fails”   Psalm 143:7b

RECOURSE TO GOD

1. Prayer (General)

“Hear my prayer, O LORD”   Psalm 143:1a

2. Plea (Specific)

“Do not enter into judgment with Your servant
For in Your sight no one living is righteous”   Psalm 143:2

REMEMBERING THE LORD

1. Remembering the days past

“I remember the days of old”   Psalm 143:5a

2. Practise Meditation

“I meditate on all Your works”   Psalm 143:5b

3. Try “Musing”

“I muse on the work of Your hands”   Psalm 143:5c

REACHING OUT TO GOD ACTIVELY IN SUPPLICATION

1. Praying earnestly

“I spread out my hands to You”   Psalm 143:6a

2. Praying with a great sense of longing

“My soul longs for You like a thirsty land”   Psalm 143:6b

3. Praying for an answer (With a great sense of urgency)

“Answer me speedily, O LORD;
My spirit fails!
Do not hide Your face from me,
Lest I be like those who go down to the pit”   Psalm 143:7

4. Prayer for deliverance

“Deliver me, O LORD, from my enemies
In You I take shelter”   Psalm 143:9

5. Prayer to God to teach and to lead

a) To teach

“Teach me to do Your will”   Psalm 143:10a

b) To lead

“Lead me in the land of uprightness”   Psalm 143:10d

6. Prayer for Revival

“Revive me, O LORD, for Your name’s sake!
For Your righteousness’ sake
Bring my soul out of trouble”   Psalm 143:11

CONCLUSION

1. Seeking God in Prayer

a) The problems in life will drive us to prayer

b) There is power to be found in prayer

2. Seeking God in Meditative Prayer

a) Remembering

b) Musing

3. Seeking God till answers are found

a) Revived

b) Refreshed