Which Way Is Up

Vincent Ford

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Introduction

There is a movie that came out in 1977, about nine years before I was born just in case ya’ll were a little confused. The movie starred one of the greatest comedians of all time in Richard Pryor. The movie was entitled Which Way is Up. In short Leroy Jones falls into a protest by mistake, amongst some other things and returns home to see his family in shambles.

Leroy found himself following the crowd in protest, falling victim to a number of other issues because he had no direction, and we watched and laughed at Leroy but in all seriousness life becomes a discombobulation when we fall into things while our life is on a directionless path.

Psalm 143 is an earnest appeal for Guidance and Deliverance. One may assume that they have a good pulse on their life, their purpose and their direction but one thing about life is life can throw some curveballs or hit you with some uppercuts and cause you to fall into situations that will spiritually discombobulate you to a place in which you do not know which way is up.

The History of the Text

The 143rd Psalm or penitential psalms or psalms of confession. If we know anything about David we know that he had plenty to confess, if we were truly honest with ourselves we would admit that we have plenty to confess as well. Understand the man writing this Psalm defeated Goliath just to be hunted by his predecessor, send a man to his death to cover up his mess, have a daughter that was raped, and be a war and on the run from his son. It’s safe to say David went through somethings.

With that being said let’s move forward a bit. Navigating our mistakes is difficult but so is navigating our enemies. Whatever side we fall on tonight it’s evident that we all have some issues, we all have some problems, we all have some people that we don’t like, and there’s some folks that can’t stand us.

God is the Only Way

When we are seeking direction we must understand that God is the only way.

Psalm 143:8 “Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You.”

Life will push you to a place where God is the only option, truth be told there should never be a time where He isn’t the first and only option.

If God was the only option we wouldn’t make mistakes, the problem becomes the fact that sometimes we just tend to trust ourselves. David states, “cause me” or get my attention! This is deeper than listening this make sure I hear you and hear you well.

God I trust you but I need some direction! We know that David is looking forward to future, in the morning David says, provides the notion that this night is not going to last forever.

1st step in to finding direction or knowing which way is up is understanding that what I’m going through is not permanent.

This has collective implications to it as well, collectively as churches we go through storms but understand no matter what we are going through it’s not permanent.

I know God’s a healer Psalm 147:3 “He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds.”

I know God can change any devastation to a celebration!

Psalm 30:5 “For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.”

Two Battles

One thing we must realize is David is fighting two battles.

Leading while in a storm and Vulnerable to let people know although I’ve been called I’m not perfect!

Sometimes when we are in leadership positions we have to navigate seeking direction and providing direction simultaneously.

David says I have to lead, meanwhile the enemy has persecuted my soul.

David says I have to lead even while I’m in a place of darkness! Which way is up when I don’t know what’s next. Trials and trauma will truly have you leading by faith!

David says I have to lead even when my heart is distressed and my spirit is overwhelmed.

It might not be church leadership it might be in the home. I have to raise kids meanwhile shielding them from my frustrations.

I have to serve my family, meanwhile dealing with my own grief.

When I’m Lost I Have to Get Back to the Basics

Psalm 143:5-6 “I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I muse on the work of Your hands. I spread out my hands to You; My soul longs for You like a thirsty land. Selah”

This nostalgic speech it a recollection of what God can do! When times gets rough let us remember what God has done. It’s the personal devotion to reflecting on God’s greatness that brings us joy in the darkness situation!

Understand walking in the right direction doesn’t alleviate the consequence, as we approach verse 7 the pressure is still extreme.

“Answer me speedily” defined as the direct opposite of a delay. Three times in verses 8 through 10 David prays for guidance.

Each request is different but directed at the same God!

Guidance to listen in the right way.

Direct my steps, “cause me to know the way I should walk”.

Deliver me from enemies and teach me how to do your will!

There is no such thing as Godly direction without surrender!

For you are my God! My God, my provider! I’m okay with His direction because His direction is the only direction! You made have tried a number of things but understand that God’s way is the proper way!

Luke 9:23 “Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”

David asks God to lead him to a place of uprightness! Pay attention to the grace and mercy of God in this moment. Even the journey of imperfections that we are on are elevated with God. Uprightness isn’t just about standing up straight, its a flat, yet elevated georgraphical formation of a large area! It’s smooth ground walking with God, a land without potholes or mounds. Not saying the journey will be easy but with God even difficult journies are prosperous because He has the ability to make even the most crooked ways straight!

So if you are looking for direction in life right now, look no further! Look at God, look at his ability to move us in the right direction. Life might be a whirlwind, but be reminded of a God that contols the winds and waves.

Enemies may be on your heels but understand that the God who parted the Red Sea is the God that can deal with your enemies! We don’t have to seek vengance, God is in control!