Nougat 15

In yesterday’s nougat, we read about the pending anointing of David. Further, we discerned that although he was God’s best, he might have been overlooked based on human choices. As we reflect on our Nougat, our focus returns to David, fondly remembered as ‘a man after God’s own heart’.

We began a reflection yesterday on matters of the heart, and at the end concluded that we must THROW our hearts to God. Our reflection continues with us unpacking some nuances of each letter. Today’s Holy Nougat is very definite about maintaining a Teachable heart.

“Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭86‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

A Teachable heart

Psalm 86, a psalm of David, is believed to be one of his psalms of individual lament. Those psalms present a complaint or pressing concern for the greater portion of the prayer. (see Working Preacher: July 17, 2011). Source workingpreacher.org Some scholars are divided about whether it falls ‘neatly’ in this categorization, as there is not enough ‘complaining’ to justify the designation. I have noticed that most lament psalms conclude with a note of praise or hope, and so I am not bothered by this classification.

As we are not provided with a particular situation surrounding the writing of this psalm, we are left to conclude that this was a journal entry after a rough day or season. Although the psalm begins with a clear plea for help, David constantly affirms his trust in God’s protection and provision (verses 1-2). One might deduce that David was encouraging himself in the Lord, as he did in Psalm 103, or perhaps he was simply making his argument for why he deserved to be helped.

When we get to verse 11, his mood seems to have shifted from desperation to desire. And David’s desire was to have God teach him. This isn’t atypical David: in psalm 119, he asked for/referenced God’s teaching 11 times. That would be approximately one for every other stanza. But, Psalm 119 isn’t a psalm of lament. What we do deduce is that David had a very teachable heart. Daniel J Pentmore of fromdanielsdesk.com includes this feature among the Five Prayer Requests from King David, although he defines it as ‘Guidance in Life.’

What we learn then, is that teachability is definitely a positive attribute before God. David’s request for teaching says that it is okay to admit that we don’t know. For if we can honestly face God and ask God to teach us, it should be fine to face humans and be equally honest. Whether we do or not, David’s prayers confirm that God enjoys inquiring hearts.

If we revert to the premise that Psalm 86 is a lament psalm, our nougat would suggest that we can ask God’s direction and guidance in stressful situations. Yes indeedy. And the ‘purity of heart’ can be our openness to learning from God, and not only about being sinless. Being of a teachable heart invites openness to the God of our salvation and to the move of God’s Spirit.

In doubt, reach for our Godly GPS.

In distress, invite God’s Spirit to guide us

In dismay, allow God to show us the Way

In delight, let God lead us to higher heights of joy!

A Teachable Heart draws us closer to God

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May all we seek be found in Christ