Incense Rising Online Study

What does brokenness look like in your life? Do you bear the burden of family problems, such as an estranged child or an aging parent? Possibly constricting finances or a heavy workload? Maybe the stress of a health crisis? Perhaps you cope with abuse, depression, rejection, or church hurt. David experienced most of these at some point in his life. Like King David, brokenness will build strength. Our scars from today will be our strength for tomorrow.

On Day 29, of Incense Rising: 60 Days to Powerful Prayer (https://amountainoffaith.com/carolyns-books/ ), we examined David’s prayer in Psalm 61. Let’s turn our attention to Psalm 143. If doubt exists about the deep despair David felt, read Psalm 143, his prayer when he boldly approached God (v. 1).

Our prayers often lack fire until we feel desperate. Then we have a reason to get fired up. In Psalm 143:5 (NKJV), David reflected on the works God had accomplished in his life. David also recalled what God had accomplished in history.

I remember the days of old;

I meditate on all Your works;

I muse on the work of Your hands.

Remember where God has brought you from. Remember what God has brought you through. Remember the parting of the Red Sea. Remember the walls of Jericho tumbling down.

Remembering God’s greatness stirs up trust. We remember who our Abba is. We can rely on Him. Like David, we know we can trust Him.

Next, David committed to trust God in verse 8:

Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning,

For in You do I trust;

Cause me to know the way in which I should walk,

For I lift up my soul to You.

The third aspect in this Psalm portrays God as our refuge. David describes God as his shelter and his deliverer. Even the mighty warrior, David sought God’s deliverance.

Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies;

In You I take shelter. (Ps. 143:9)

The fourth point in this prayer of brokenness is guidance. Since we trust God, we desire His guidance in our lives. We want Him to order our steps. Keeping us from wandering off the path He has prepared for us.

Teach me to do Your will,

For You are my God;

Your Spirit is good.

Lead me in the land of uprightness. (Ps. 143:10)

Finally, we seek personal revival. Not the spring or fall revival at church. Personal revival is just that, personal, between you and God. It usually does not occur when everything runs smoothly. Our scars from today will be our strength for tomorrow.

 

Brokenness creates the thirst only God can quench. In a typical day, how often do you thirst for a glass of cold water? Just as we are not constantly physically thirsty, we are not always spiritually thirsty, but we should be. Often, it takes a desperate situation to make us thirst. An overwhelmed spirit or a distressed heart leaves us parched, wanting the touch of God.

Revive me, O Lord, for Your name’s sake!

For Your righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble. (Ps. 143:11)

A bold prayer, reciting the acts of God, trusting Him, seeking His lead, and personal revival are bundled up in David’s prayer. Not a cure-all, but a prayer to soothe your shattered heart during the seasons of brokenness.

Father God, You are the Great Physician. You are the best at healing broken hearts. Broken souls. Broken spirits. Broken marriages. Broken families. You have done mighty acts, and You are not finished. We trust You to revive us once again. Amen.

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