Pray Against Evil
How often do you think about evil? One of the challenges of Western Christianity is either an odd fascination with or a deemphasis of evil.
Psalm 140-141
Today's Scripture Passage
A Few Thoughts to Consider
How often do you think about evil?
One of the challenges of Western Christianity is either an odd fascination with or a deemphasis of evil. Many are either captivated by its allure or smirk and treat it as ancient mythology. But in Psalm 141, the psalmist reveals the constant struggle within every human heart.
This psalm is traditionally attributed to David, though the exact context of its writing is uncertain. It is a psalm of lament and supplication, reflecting David’s earnest plea for divine protection, guidance, and deliverance from evil influences. The textual background suggests it was composed during a time of personal distress, likely when David faced opposition or persecution, such as during his flight from Saul or internal strife in his kingdom. Out of this distress, in verses 1-4, the psalmist writes:
1 Lord, I call on you; hurry to help me.
Listen to my voice when I call on you.
2 May my prayer be set before you as incense,
the raising of my hands as the evening offering.
3 Lord, set up a guard for my mouth;
keep watch at the door of my lips.
4 Do not let my heart turn to any evil thing
or perform wicked acts with evildoers.
Do not let me feast on their delicacies.
As Donald Williams writes, “This psalm is realistic about the infection that evil can bring. If we traffic with it, it may well traffic with us.”[1] This can happen so quickly and so innocently because evil is alluring. Williams adds, “Evil strikes a chord in our hearts. If it did not have a landing place there, temptation would be a nonissue.”[2]
