To you, O LORD, I call;
my rock, be not deaf to me,
lest, if you be silent to me,
I become like those who go down to the pit.
Hear the voice of my pleas for mercy,
when I cry to you for help,
when I lift up my hands
toward your most holy sanctuary.
Do not drag me off with the wicked,
with the workers of evil,
who speak peace with their neighbours
while evil is in their hearts.
Give to them according to their work
and according to the evil of their deeds;
give to them according to the work of their hands;
render them their due reward.
Because they do not regard the works of the LORD
or the work of his hands,
he will tear them down and build them up no more.
Comment: I hear of people talking to their plants – they claim that it helps them to grow better. I’m not a gardener, and I don’t do it and I make no comment as to whether or not it helps. But talking to a rock, what help is that? Unless of course the imagery is totally different, and it is. The image is of stability, of dependability and for a soldier protection from arrows and hurled spears. David is talking to his dependable God.
In this first half of the psalm, he acknowledges that God deals with habitual sinners sternly. David recognizes that he is not perfect and could be dealt among ‘a group action’ by God against the evils of trouble makers and evil doers. He says to such people that they deserve what God hands out. Accepting his imperfection he is honest enough to claim before God that this is not his habitual way of living and pleads for God to look on him in mercy. What he says about the sinner going to judgement is often seen today as being unkind and judgemental. But, maybe, it is in fact crueller not to warn people that the loving God is a holy God, and that His holiness provides mercy, which if rejected, leaves us standing under His judgement. The gospel, the ‘Good News’ is not that all is forgiven but that forgiveness is available for all if accepted by repentance and faith.
Prayer: Help me to see You as You are, O God. Please don’t let me make up a drawing of You to suite my own desires!
As I read it! 
Thank you Barry for your comments on this passage. Our Holy God is merciful and kind to those who come to Him and ask for His forgiveness for sin. As Jesus said in John chapter 8, to the woman caught in adultery, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and sin no more.” We need to confess our sin, repent of our sin, and in faith, turn to Jesus and He will forgive our sin, and cleanse our hearts. God bless you.
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