How well do you receive criticism?
Perceive: David may have written this psalm as a young man. He wants God to hear his heart and honor his words. It contains three main sections. In the first section, he calls upon the Lord to hear his prayers, help him with his speech, and guard his inner thought life (1-4). In the second section, he describes his companions and his desire for God to judge his enemies (5-7). In the third section, he asks for protection and the self-destruction of his enemies (8-10). Psalm 41 illustrates how to pray for accountability, to avoid compromise, and sense God’s protection during personal attacks. During the second-temple Judaism, worshippers sang this psalm as part of the evening sacrifice in the temple (2).
Practice: Very few people like being criticized, and even fewer would consider it a kindness, yet that is how David expresses his heart in verse 5. Even though it is tough to hear and accept something that is critical, it can have benefits when it is given with wisdom and received with humility. Whenever someone criticizes you, listen patiently, consider it a kindness, and don’t fight back or get defensive. Thank the person and take some time to pray to see if God affirms their issue.
Pray: Thank You that some people have the heart to help when they constructively criticize others. Help me to see the difference in helping with kindness compared to hurting with firmness. Help me to deliver any criticism with the right spirit of wisdom and humility.
This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com
Practice: Very few people like being criticized, and even fewer would consider it a kindness, yet that is how David expresses his heart in verse 5. Even though it is tough to hear and accept something that is critical, it can have benefits when it is given with wisdom and received with humility. Whenever someone criticizes you, listen patiently, consider it a kindness, and don’t fight back or get defensive. Thank the person and take some time to pray to see if God affirms their issue.
Pray: Thank You that some people have the heart to help when they constructively criticize others. Help me to see the difference in helping with kindness compared to hurting with firmness. Help me to deliver any criticism with the right spirit of wisdom and humility.
This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com
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