"It is never right to distrust God and it is never vain (producing no result, useless) to trust Him."

A prayer - a cry to God - my God

• I'm being squeezed on all sides
• I'm about to fall apart
• I don't know how to handle this situation David has some pretty strong enemies.  "Like a lion jumps on his prey and rips it apart -- that's what my enemies want to do to me."

Save me

• Or no one can
• If God, You don't save me, no one can
• My only hope is in You

Vs. 1-2   Confidence in Prayer

• David turns to God as his salvation
• I put my trust in You, my God

You are the potter; I am the clay (Jer. 18)

Lean not on your own understanding (Pr. 3:5-6)

If God is for me, who can be against me? (Rom.)

If I fear God, I need not fear anything. (Is. 8:11-14)

You are the only One who can rescue me.

Vs. 3-5  Search me:

• I am innocent.  I did not start this.
• If there is a problem I can't see.
• If Ibetrayed a friend.
• If I stole from an enemy.

I didn't start this; I didn't do, say, or think this.  Then let them kill me -- let me be dead and buried.

Vs. 6-9 Support me.

David doesn't think God understands his cry for help.  Or perhaps why He isn't acting --- like right now!  So David says, "Get up, come on.  I need Your help-rise up in anger.  I want you to bring justice."

Get up; do what You do.

• Bring justice
• Sit on Your throne
• Bring the nations to Your courtroom
• Declare me innocent
• Make it official.  Stop their lies.

Look at me - look deep within my mind (thoughts) and heart (emotions).  I trust You, O righteous God!

Vs. 10  How it works.  Oh, let evil make an end of the wicked.

• Haman hanged on gallons that he prepared for Mordecai
• Jacob was cheated by his uncle the same way he cheated his dad and brother

Anger - (zo'am) - foam at the mouth

The sinner may have a self-satisfying day but never a safe day.  Only God's grace keeps a heartbeat going!  Grace wants to trump sin!

Vs. 12-13  If a person does not repent, then

• God will sharpen His sword
• God will bend His string and bow
• God will ignite His flaming arrows

Vs. 15  The results of evil schemes --

• They dig a pit - they fall into it
• They make trouble - it backfires
• They plan violence - it falls on them

This is sin's repercussion.  It boomerangs.  If you throw wickedness out, it will come back at you.

Vs. 17  The Victory

I will praise Him.  I will sing praises to the God Most High (Elyon), the God Who dispenses blessings.  Circumstances are tough, but You, Oh Lord, are still on the throne!