God is always watchful over his people, “The eyes of the Lord are towards the righteous and his ears toward their cry” (Ps 34:15). It is believed that our focus Psalm is connected with the previous one (Psalm 3), where David had been driven from his kingdom by his son Absalom in a staged coup. In the midst of the crisis David calls out to the Lord for deliverance. What are some things we can learn from David about seeking God for help in the midst of our trouble? Here are few observations to meditate and pray over:
Fearlessly pursue God in prayer. What we truly believe about who God is and what he is able to do matters here (i.e faith), because it will determine how actively we will pursue God. Hebrew writer exhorts in this way, “and without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him” (Heb 11:6). David demonstrated a bold (i.e confidence) faith in calling out to God for relief from his circumstances. He appeals to the grace of God towards him, “Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!” He appealed to God as he also is among God’s chosen people.
Likewise, you and I have been granted grace by God in Christ to come to him with all matters and at any time. Nothing is beyond repair or too big for God! We come to God (like a child) warts, running noses, and all, to seek the help we need, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb 4:16). We should be fearless in our pursuit of God like the “Parable of the Persistent Widow” (Lk 18:1-8). She continuously approached the unjust judge until he gave her justice. Likewise, we commit to drawing near to the throne of grace until God answers, for we are assured in this way, “And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry out to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily…” (Lk 18:7-8). We should not say within ourselves, “I don’t want to burden God with the same problem again and again.” Remember, God never tires of hearing from his people. He rejoices and delights over you.
Be descriptive about your problem. David says, “O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame?” His complaint is twofold: (1) His enemies were attempting to tarnish his reputation with their rebellion, and (2) they loved deceit and sought their truth from idols, thus, “…they seek after lies?” They are the opposite of the righteous who have been set apart by God……they are dead like the idols they are led by (Ps 135:15-18). Our God is living and can carry any burden we bring to him. We should not spare details in our prayer with God. Be encouraged to be specific in your prayer for we are expecting a specific response from God. “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” (Mt 7:7).
Resist the temptation to avenge yourself. In v3, David declares that God has set apart a people to himself and he answers their prayers. With this truth, he then exhorts us, “Be angry and do not sin…” (cf. Eph 4:26). In other words, trust God with your problems, and rest confident in his will, thus, “ponder in your own hearts on your bed and be silent.” When we fix our attention on the salvation of God, it produces a broken and contrite spirit within us that yields to the will of God in hope. God is glorified in fighting the battles of his people.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D
www.springoflivingwaters.com