All Stopped Up

"Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts:

and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom." Ps. 51:6

Strong's definition: hidden: to stop up, shut up, keep close (Qal); secret (participle); (Niphal) to be stopped up

In every cross reference of this word it is referring to stopping up a well of water or some type of running water. The idea that a needed source of life has been shut up and hidden from anyone who would seek it or need it. This is profound to me. In my casual reading of this text, I would have assumed that "the hidden part" that needed wisdom was the same as the inward parts that the Lord desires truth. Yet, I see that they are different. In the context of this psalm, David is pouring forth his heart in confession of his sin against the Lord. He is "all stopped up" in his heart with corruption, lust and guilt.

The Lord desires me to walk in truth in my heart and mind while He gives wisdom to those areas in my life that are "all stopped up".  Where am I struggling? Where am I buried in frustration, fear, selfishness and sin?

Matthew Henry writes in reference to this verse:  "What God requires of us he himself works in us, and he works it in the regular way, enlightening the mind, and so gaining the will.  Some read it as a prayer: "Lord, in this instance, I have done foolishly; for the future make me to know wisdom.’’ Where there is truth God will give wisdom; those that sincerely endeavour to do their duty shall be taught their duty."

As I read through the commentaries, I admit that I am on a lone track here with my thoughts on this verse. I am certainly willing to step aside and allow those far more learned than I teach the depth of this passage. However, I willingly accept the Lord's challenge to me this morning to search my heart and see what sins may have shut up my understanding and knowledge of His will and work in my life.

Psalm 51
"Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned , and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest , and be clear when thou judgest. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean : wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice . Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise . Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem. Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar."