KEEP ME FROM SIN

A mention of Psalm 19 would bring many minds to the beginning where David says “The heavens declare the glory of God, and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.” It’s a familiar passage and a great one. But a little farther down in v.13 David says “Also keep back Your servant from presumptuous sins; let them not rule over me.” I was struck by that line this week in study. David was a man after God’s own heart. He is a picture of Christ in the Old Testament. Yet David knew that he was drawn to sin in his flesh. If David needs this prayer, then so do we. Our evil nature is quick to run wild on us. Like an un-trained dog that gets off its leash, we are chaotic and reckless when left to our own will. Praise God for His grace and the keeping back that He does for us. The tendency for self-confidence must constantly be fought against. Like David may we recognize that we are drawn to sin and we need God to keep us back. This is why Jesus taught the disciples to pray “lead us not into temptation” it’s not a self-reliant prayer, it’s a shepherd-reliant prayer.