David repeats much of what he has already said, and prayed, but we often do the same. Do we not continually repeat prayers for those close to us, and often not so close? Many are praying daily for the war in the Middle East to stop, and yet it continues.

Peace in our personal lives is one of the most important needs in this crazy world. As we pray for peace for ourselves, we must also remember that so much of the world is in conflict, and in many countries Christians are being persecuted for their faith.

As we approach the end of this psalm, we have all probably noted a lot of repetition in what David has said. Most of us do that in our prayers without recognising it, because we feel the need to remind God of what we have already asked for.

Most of us, at some time in our lives have pleaded with God to answer a prayer or solve a problem. Even people who do not believe in Him, cry out to Him in times of crisis, just in case they have it wrong and He does exist.

Many of us think of David as the perfect king who loved The Lord! That is not true! David was an adulterer, a murderer, and an inadequate father. He will be in heaven, not because he did nothing wrong, but because he loved the Lord who is loving and forgiving!

The last line of these verses shows the compassion that David had for those who were not obedient to the word of God. Was he sad for The Lord, because people did not follow Him, or was he sad for those who did not obey for whatever reason?

David is really focusing on the character of God, as his Master, the Law-maker and his Saviour. His life as king was far from easy, and in every frustration and difficult situation he turned to the Lord, asking Him to deal with whatever he was facing.

We are to forgive, bless and move on, but that is not always easy in our complicated world. We meet in our church groups and are blessed and encouraged, but there are seven days in our week, and we must live according to the principles of God all seven days!

David knew in his heart that he was on his way to Heaven, but there were many problems along the way. He also knew the risks and the dangers he was facing, and he was trying his very best to be obedient to everything God was expecting of him.

As I read the last line in our passage today, the thought comes to me that evil does not stand still, but is a path to worse evil!! There is always an enemy thought not far away which is tempting us to go down the wrong road.