Passage: Psalm 69
The Big Idea
Psalm 69 is a cry from someone drowning: “Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck.” David is hated without a cause, mocked for his zeal, and finds no comforters. The New Testament quotes this psalm more than almost any other about Jesus: zeal for Your house has eaten me up (John 2:17), hated without a cause (John 15:25), and given vinegar to drink (Matthew 27:34, 48). In the end, the humble see God’s salvation and are glad.
Reflections
Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck (v. 1). A simple plea, two words: Save me. It’s the cry of someone drowning. I can’t breathe underwater, and this trial is about to crush me.
I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing (v. 2). Like quicksand. I can’t support myself. All I can do is hold on to Your hand of rescue. Reach it out now, Father. I’m Your son and I’m scared. These forces are too powerful for me, but not for You.
I am weary with my crying; my throat is dry (v. 3). I accept that You’ve chosen this trial for me. I’m not angry, but I’m weak and desperate. You told me to seek Your face, and I’m seeking it. Keep me from doing anything in my flesh.
Those who hate me without a cause (v. 4). I don’t really fear them. I know You’ll defend me. And really, it’s You they’re angry at. If only they knew Your kindness and grace. Show them by pouring it out on me.
O God, You know my foolishness; my sins are not hidden from You (v. 5). I’m so glad this verse is here. I’ve been foolish, and I’m no better than anyone. My only saving grace is that You looked on me and made my soul alive. Do it for those I love, despite their foolishness and sin.
Let not those who wait for You be ashamed because of me (v. 6). I don’t want to get in Your way. Expand Your kingdom through me, even though I’m not much help. Spread Your mercy over my mess. I can’t even imagine the damage I’ve done, but You can restore it all.
For Your sake I have borne reproach… zeal for Your house has eaten me up (vv. 7-12). I’ve been mocked for my faith. Relationships suffer because I wait for You. And I’ve failed, too, so I don’t plead my own merit. I only care what You think of me. Make Your enemies into Your friends, for Your name’s sake. You make all things new.
But as for me, my prayer is to You, O Lord, in the acceptable time (v. 13). I pray only to You. This is a good time to seek You. Your mercies are new every morning, and You never run out, so I draw on those resources today. You’ve made me a son, and I come with a son’s requests.
Deliver me out of the mire… let not the pit shut its mouth on me (vv. 14-15). I place my entire existence in Your hands. I worship You right here, right now.
Hear me, O Lord, for Your lovingkindness is good; turn to me according to the multitude of Your tender mercies (v. 16). What treasure! Your grace is good. Turn to me because You have mercy, tender and not harsh. My heart would rather die than be apart from You.
Do not hide Your face from Your servant… hear me speedily (v. 17). You give me permission to pray this prayer, and I stand on Your Word today.
Draw near to my soul, and redeem it (v. 18). You won’t just stand by. You’ve redeemed me with precious blood, and You value me. I want intimacy with You more than anything. Draw near. Dwell in me.
You know my reproach, my shame, and my dishonor (v. 19). You know everything I’m going through. And because You know, I can trust You to act. You know how the enemy has filled minds with lies. Destroy the works of the devil through the cross.
I looked for someone to take pity, but there was none (v. 20). Holy Spirit, You’re my Comforter. You know all I feel. I trust You alone to bring peace.
They gave me vinegar to drink (v. 21). Jesus, this is how You were treated. How You loved me!
Let their table become a snare… let them be blotted out of the book of the living (vv. 22-28). These are hard words. Paul applies them to those who reject the Messiah (Romans 11:9-10). They show how serious it is to refuse God: if people refuse Him to the end, it’s a bitter end. But today is still a day of mercy, and Jesus prayed from the cross, “Father, forgive them.” Have mercy on me and on those I love.
But I am poor and sorrowful; let Your salvation, O God, set me up on high (v. 29). The difference is pride and humility. I’m broken and poor, and I lie before You. Your grace lifts me up. I’ll wait with joy, even in sorrow. I know You love me.
I will praise the name of God with a song… this shall please the Lord better than an ox (vv. 30-31). You love a heart that magnifies You in truth, faith and humility more than any sacrifice of works.
The humble shall see this and be glad; and you who seek God, your hearts shall live (v. 32). Amen! I receive this promise. Let my story encourage others to humble themselves and trust Your grace. For the Lord hears the poor, and does not despise His prisoners (v. 33).
God will save Zion and build the cities of Judah… the descendants of His servants shall inherit it (vv. 35-36). I take this as a promise for the next generation. Do a building work: saving first, then discipleship. That’s my deepest prayer.
Grace Takeaway
When the waters are up to your neck, two words are enough: “Save me.” Jesus went into the deepest waters for you, bearing reproach He didn’t deserve. Because of Him, the humble see God’s salvation, and those who seek Him find that their hearts live.
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