Transcript

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 140 ESV, Ch. 141-142 NCV

Podcast Introduction

It’s Psalms Wednesday, and we’ll read chapters 140-142, and we’ll have a time of prayer. I’m calling this episode “Desires and the Heart.“

Design: Jason Paschall | Photo: DC_Studio on elements.envato.com

Summary

Psalm 140 reflects the difficult moments in David's life when he was pursued and threatened by those who wished to harm him. He prayed to God not only for deliverance but also for the destruction of his enemies. A story is shared of someone who, facing a similar situation, prayed this Psalm and witnessed a powerful response from God, which led to the downfall of their antagonist. This demonstrates that if we face genuine threats from evil individuals, God can come to our aid and ensure His plans for our lives prevail. The Psalm ends with a reassuring note about God supporting the afflicted and executing justice.

In Psalm 141, there's a significant translation nuance regarding David's prayer. While it's commonly translated as asking God to take away his "desire" for evil, the original Hebrew uses the word "heart." This difference matters because desire typically resides in the mind, and we can control it to some extent by redirecting our thoughts. However, the heart is more stubborn and tends to want what it wants, regardless of our rational thoughts.

David's plea is for God to prevent his heart from being drawn towards evil. This request aligns with the idea that the heart's inclinations influence our actions, and evil desires can lead to wicked deeds. David, who had experienced the consequences of following his heart in the case of Bathsheba, understands this well. He urges us not to rely solely on our willpower when tempted but to seek God's help in guarding our hearts from sinful desires. This heartfelt prayer, like David's, is something we can incorporate into our own lives.

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The Team

Lifespring Family Berean, Sister Denise: Transcript CorrectionMichael Haner: Podcasting 2.0 ChaptersLifespring Family Berean, Brother Scott Snider: Show ArtJason Paschall: Show ArtLifespring Family Berean, Sister Brittaney: Newsletter Publisher

Transcript

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Steve Webb 0:00The heart wants what the heart wants.

Steve Webb 0:03It's the Lifespring! One Year Bible coming to you from Riverside, California, podcasting since 2004. I'm your OG Godcaster. Steve Webb, good to see you. It's Psalms Wednesday, and we'll read chapters 140 through 142. We'll also have a time of prayer. If you'd like to check out other Lifespring shows, go to Lifespringmedia.com. and I'll have contact information at the end of today's show. Before we read, let's pray. Our Heavenly Father, we love you and we thank you for your words. and as we read today, we ask that you bless us and that you would teach us. We pray this in Jesus name. Amen. All right, beloved, let's begin.

Steve Webb 0:44Psalm 140 is titled, to the chief musician, a Psalm of David. Now many of David's Psalms were written when he was in trouble and he called out to God for help. In this Psalm, it seems as if he's being slandered. Perhaps this was when King Saul was in pursuit of him.

Steve Webb 1:02Psalms chapter 140. Deliver me oh Lord from evil men, preserve me from violent men who plan evil things in their heart and stir up wars continually. They make their tongue sharp as a serpents and under their lips is the venom of asps. guard me oh Lord, from the hands of the wicked. Preserve me from violent men who have planned to trip up my feet,