A PRAYER OF DAVID IN TROUBLED TIMES
- Key Verse
“Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped..." (Psalm 28:6-7)
READ THE PASSAGE
Central Truth
During troubled times we must call upon the Lord and patiently trust in Him.
Reflections
I must confess to you that I do not understand the time sequence of this passage. First, we see David praying and expressing his strong confidence in God. He calls out, “The Lord is my Rock, I call out to you for help."
Then he states his case to God (my translation):
"If you don’t answer, I’m a dead man!"
"Let my enemies get their just reward."
Next, in verse 5, David goes into praise for he knows that God heard his prayer and will provide both strength and protection. Again, what I don’t know is if David is remembering what God has done or if he is waiting patiently for God to show up. Let’s look at this passage from both points of view:
If David is looking back at God’s deliverance from his enemies, then this passage tells us to make markers in our lives of God’s empowering presence and to tell those stories to the people in our sphere of influence. Many times after God has stepped in to aid me in a time a crisis, I remember to thank him; but I often forget to share the good news of God’s intervention in my life. David, a man after God’s own heart, did not forget to record the stories of God’s merciful intervention in his life.
If David is in a period of waiting on the Lord for deliverance, then we must take encouragement from David and follow his pattern. I know what it's like to be in that “dungeon of doubt” when all my problems are piling up (I come from a long line of worriers!). I call these problems the "4:30AM wake up alarm." David claims the promises of God:
- God is our deliverer
- God is holy and just
- God hears our prayers
- God gives both salvation and blessings to his people
- God is our Shepherd and our source of divine energy forever
Then, David asks for deliverance, gives praise and thanksgiving to God, and prays for all of us to be blessed by God. That’s what we need to do when facing life’s trials.
Discussion Questions
1. Have you developed the practice of calling out to God in prayer for guidance during difficult times, or do you just use your intellect and personal skills?
2. What are some of the promises of the gospel that we can rely on during hard times? During good times?
3. Do you give thanks to God when he intervenes in your life?
4. Are you sharing the stories of God’s empowering presence?
Stacey Jeannett
February 9, 2010 04:47 AM
I had to smile at your comment about the "4:30 wake up alarm". Mine went off a little earlier at 3:45, so here I am calling out to God... What I love about this Psalm is verse seven is all first person, but verse 8 is in second person! So as my "worry alarm clock" starts the circle of fear and doubts for who is on my mind, God's Word stops the twirling and focuses on His Faithfulness to His sheep. The LORD is their strength, and He is a saving defense to His anointed. Save Your people and bless Your inheritance; Be their shepherd also, and carry them forever. Ahhhh, rest in the Lord. So sweet!
Michele
February 9, 2010 04:55 AM
Jim, As I find myself this morning in my "dungeon of doubt" thank you for the reminder to call upon the Lord. "When my anxious thoughts multiply within me,Your consolations delight my soul." Ps. 94:19
Chip Smith
February 9, 2010 05:50 AM
Good morning Jim. Having known you at church, I wouldn't believe you were the worrying type. However, when we seek God and worship Him, He changes us and gives us strength. I imagine now that those I casually know at church would not put me in David's list of the wicked either. But, that's where I was before Jesus in my life. I have wondered why David was so concerned with being drug off with the wicked (vs. 3). You think he was like you and me and knew what he is like without God in his life? As David takes stock of the fact that God is in his life, he breaks out in thanksgiving and praise. Just like David, I am this morning going to do the same. How about you? Have a great day!
Darryl Worsham
February 9, 2010 06:23 AM
Jim, it was good to be with you this morning as we looked at this passage. Thanks for reminding me God knows and works boths ends of the equation...when I reflect back He is there...when I hope forward He is there. Grace and Peace, DW
Thom Kurtz
February 9, 2010 06:41 AM
Hi Jim, By God-incidence, my 4:30am wake-up call today was insight into a sin and forgiveness issue I am dealing with in my personal life. I can see as brothers and sisters in Christ, we are called to forgive each other 7 times 70 times. But we can't claim forgiveness from those against whom we sin - that is essentially claiming there was no hurt in the first place - because they must forgive us in order to imitate Christ. Does it make sense ? "Shall we continue to sin", knowing that they will or ought to forgive, "that grace may abound? Certainly not!" (Rom 6:1) Forgiveness is the object of those who have been hurt, not the subject of the one doing the hurting. ... Thanks for your translation and the reminder to call out for God today.
randy
February 9, 2010 07:14 AM
The Lord is my strength and my shield on this day... thank you Jim for your devo today! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGMOKBki56k&feature=related
Tim Hawks
February 9, 2010 08:01 AM
Jim, thanks for your wisdom on this important passage. I miss our prayer times with you on Friday morning. Thank you for continuing to serve the saints with your transparent love for Jesus.
Denise Burns
February 9, 2010 08:05 AM
Wise words, Mr. Rakes. I pray for the strength to always trust in the Lord and to have Him guide me through times of worry. I, too, come from a worrisome family and I find that in times of worry, prayer for guidance, strength and trust in Him really makes a world of difference! Thank you for a confirming devotional! God Bless!
Bob A. King
February 9, 2010 08:07 AM
Jim, thanks for your timely reminder to "call out to God" and stop trying to handle issues in our own strength. Why do I try to solve problems in my own limited ability so often when God's infinite wisdom is so available. Your thoughts and God's Word touched a nerve today. Thank you, brother.
Terry Melle
February 9, 2010 09:53 AM
Jim, this Psalm and your reflections, make me wonder how much I rely upon a radar set that is either workng intermittently, or looking in the wrong part of the sky, causing me to miss God's work in my life and in the lives of others. I can't tell stories I miss...
Benton Higgins
February 9, 2010 09:58 PM
My comment is not so much about this particular scripture. I felt the need to share that I am moved by the sharing of the Lord's people, one with another in this forum. The tender hearts and words, that come from knowing the Lord first-hand, are clearly at the heart of a good deal of these comments, and they move me as well as motivate me to seek higher places in the Lord. May the Lord bless you folks, and may the sweetness of his loving spirit overwhelm you at some point during the course of this day, as your participation in this forum has done for me.