When you seek change, are you prepared for the change to start with you?

 Psalm 72:1–20 (ESV):  

1  Give the king your justice, O God, 

and your righteousness to the royal son! 

2  May he judge your people with righteousness, 

and your poor with justice! 

3  Let the mountains bear prosperity for the people, 

and the hills, in righteousness! 

4  May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, 

give deliverance to the children of the needy, 

and crush the oppressor! 

5  May they fear you while the sun endures, 

and as long as the moon, throughout all generations! 

6  May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass, 

like showers that water the earth! 

7  In his days may the righteous flourish, 

and peace abound, till the moon be no more! 

8  May he have dominion from sea to sea, 

and from the River to the ends of the earth! 

9  May desert tribes bow down before him, 

and his enemies lick the dust! 

10  May the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands 

render him tribute; 

may the kings of Sheba and Seba 

bring gifts! 

11  May all kings fall down before him, 

all nations serve him! 

12  For he delivers the needy when he calls, 

the poor and him who has no helper. 

13  He has pity on the weak and the needy, 

and saves the lives of the needy. 

14  From oppression and violence he redeems their life, 

and precious is their blood in his sight. 

15  Long may he live; 

may gold of Sheba be given to him! 

May prayer be made for him continually, 

and blessings invoked for him all the day! 

16  May there be abundance of grain in the land; 

on the tops of the mountains may it wave; 

may its fruit be like Lebanon; 

and may people blossom in the cities 

like the grass of the field! 

17  May his name endure forever, 

his fame continue as long as the sun! 

May people be blessed in him, 

all nations call him blessed! 

18  Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, 

who alone does wondrous things. 

19  Blessed be his glorious name forever; 

may the whole earth be filled with his glory! 

Amen and Amen! 

20  The prayers of David, the son of Jesse, are ended. 

Solomon (the king’s son) here is asking for God to give him the character and gifts needed to lead the nation well. He knows he will inherit the throne of his father, David, so he is preparing himself to lead. Therefore as he takes on this mammoth task, he asks for God’s help and blessing in the role. He is clearly not confident or sure of what he will need to do, but he is sure that God can help him and the nation. He prays for the kind of rule he wants, and the kind of kingdom that anyone would like to lead - righteous, just, prosperous, protected, free and God-honouring. Solomon knows that he cannot achieve this alone, and he knows the battles his father has fought to protect this people, so he is under no illusion that being monarch is going to be easy! Therefore he asks God for help, and for his character to be moulded into the king that the nation needs. Solomon is prepared to do the hard work of changing himself in otder to be the vessel God and the Israelites need (notice all the times he says 'may he'). When you pray for change, are you prepared for the change to start with you?

Solomon understands that in order to lead the nation into peace and justice that he will have to handle judgements and he desires to do that right. He needs the spirit of God to help him discern, so he asks. He goes to God and asks Him to help, do you? Whatever is needed to do the tasks you are given in life, do you ask God to help you do them well? Solomon did. He knew change was required for the benefit of the people he was serving, and he asks God for it even if that means he has to change, learn and stretch himself. Solomon recognises that he needs to take responsibility, but it is scary and too big a job for him. His vision and ideal reign will be peaceful and prosperous, so he asks God to deliver it and transform him into the kind of person that can lead a nation like that. He firstly asks to become just and righteous (v1-2), then he goes onto ask for courage to defend those with the least and defeat ‘the oppressor’ (v4), next he asks that he refreshes the people of Israel (v6-7). He does not want to be a burden, but a blessing, He wants to enable the country to flourish, and so realises that there are expectations and responsibilities that he needs to take on that he doesn’t feel ready for. Therefore he needs the power of God to come! To change him, to provide and go before him. 

Solomon must have learnt from his Dad how to pray! He must have seen him crying out in distress, praising and petitioning God for help. He may have read some of the songs and prayers David wrote. He had seen the success of a life lived depending on God, and reigning from an attitude of God first, and so he copied this successful way. Solomon had seen that the fear of God from the king will cause the nation to prosper (v5). As he wants to rule well and for a long time (v6-7), for a wide expanse of land (v8-11) in a peaceful time, and for the nation to be renowned for peace, justice and prosperity, Solomon knows he has to look to God for it. He trusts God for the things yet unknown and unrealised because he has experienced the success of his father's relationship with God and seen how that has brought salvation and restoration to Israel. So as the time approaches for him to be the leader, he desires to continue to develop and grow the nation into goodness. He was aware that David and his mother,  Bathsheba, were preparing him to be king, so he wanted to prepare himself. Therefore he sought God so that he could become the man God needed to rule Israel. He was prepared for the change to start with him.

We know that these things Solomon prayed for came about. Israel knew peace and prosperity during his reign, and he was known as a wise and just king, other kings voluntarily paid homage to Solomon voluntarily (v10). God gave Solomon what he had asked for. After all, Solomon had prayed for what God desired already, and so it came about plus Solomon was willing to change himself first in order to complete his job well. He asked God for His assistance in the everyday things that he needed to do, knowing that there was personal development required, and he trusted God with the vision he had for the future. We can read this psalm and conclude that Solomon was asking for the perfect nation, and why not?! Why limit your expectations of what God can do? Solomon didn’t, and look at the nation of Israel when he ruled - he was known to be wise and just, and Israel was a peaceful and prosperous nation with other kings and queens voluntarily bringing him gifts and learning from him. Solomon prayed for big things, and God delivered. Solomon allowed himself to be changed first so that the nation could be transformed, and it happened. When you desire change, are you prepared for it to start with you?  Will you ask God to help and prepare you for today and the future, asking Him to help you be the change He needs?

worshipping in the worst times

Psalm 71:1–8 (ESV): 

In you, O Lord, do I take refuge; 

let me never be put to shame! 

2  In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; 

incline your ear to me, and save me! 

3  Be to me a rock of refuge, 

to which I may continually come; 

you have given the command to save me, 

for you are my rock and my fortress. 

4  Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, 

from the grasp of the unjust and cruel man. 

5  For you, O Lord, are my hope, 

my trust, O Lord, from my youth. 

6  Upon you I have leaned from before my birth; 

you are he who took me from my mother’s womb. 

My praise is continually of you. 

7  I have been as a portent to many, 

but you are my strong refuge. 

8  My mouth is filled with your praise, 

and with your glory all the day. 

9  Do not cast me off in the time of old age; 

forsake me not when my strength is spent. 

10  For my enemies speak concerning me; 

those who watch for my life consult together 

11  and say, “God has forsaken him; 

pursue and seize him, 

for there is none to deliver him.” 

12  O God, be not far from me; 

O my God, make haste to help me! 

13  May my accusers be put to shame and consumed; 

with scorn and disgrace may they be covered 

who seek my hurt. 

14  But I will hope continually 

and will praise you yet more and more. 

15  My mouth will tell of your righteous acts, 

of your deeds of salvation all the day, 

for their number is past my knowledge. 

16  With the mighty deeds of the Lord God I will come; 

I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone. 

17  O God, from my youth you have taught me, 

and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. 

18  So even to old age and grey hairs, 

O God, do not forsake me, 

until I proclaim your might to another generation, 

your power to all those to come. 

19  Your righteousness, O God, 

reaches the high heavens. 

You who have done great things, 

O God, who is like you? 

20  You who have made me see many troubles and calamities 

will revive me again; 

from the depths of the earth 

you will bring me up again. 

21  You will increase my greatness 

and comfort me again. 

22  I will also praise you with the harp 

for your faithfulness, O my God; 

I will sing praises to you with the lyre, 

O Holy One of Israel. 

23  My lips will shout for joy, 

when I sing praises to you; 

my soul also, which you have redeemed. 

24  And my tongue will talk of your righteous help all the day long, 

for they have been put to shame and disappointed 

who sought to do me hurt. 

Although this psalm does not credit a particular person as the author, both psalm 70 and 71 seem to be similar in content. They both tell of a time that is troubled due to the persecution of others and the writers are asking God to intervene and rescue. When I first read this I thought it was a follow-on psalm from the previous one, however we do not know if David is the writer even though the themes and expressions are similar. As we consider the book of Psalms, there are many with a similar theme; of difficulty, petitioning God and trusting Him. So, whether or not this is written by David doesn’t really matter, as it just shows that we can all have similar struggles, and we need help to overcome them. People of the past as well as the present have encountered hardship and the psalms helpfully show us how to pray through it, trust God in it and worship throughout. 

This psalm then, although about a tough time, focuses on the ‘Holy One of Israel’. The author is continually reminding themselves that they are coming to a loving, mighty God. There is worship from beginning to end.  Most of the verses mention something great about God, so this cry for help and petition is enwrapped in praise - how incredible! The psalmist has come to God for rescue and relief and considers that God is; a refuge, One who does not put to shame, a listener, rock, always available, fortress, rescuer, hope, trust, One you can lean on, One who brings life, strong, glorious, close, a helper, righteous, mighty, bringer of salvation, doer of wondrous deeds, teacher, constant, powerful, reviver, lifter, empowering, comforter, Holy, redeemer. That is a lot of recognition of who God is for someone who is in trouble.When life is difficult and despairing do you pray like that? 

My daughter read something recently that said 'if you don't feel like praying, pray harder, if you don't feel like worshipping, worship harder.' This seems to be what this psalmist does. He petitions and praises God whilst persevering through this trouble. The writer acknowledges God’s active presence from even before he was born up til now, their old age (v17-18), and they know God’s love, comfort and greatness hasn’t finished yet. The same is true for you. No matter your age or experience, God desires to show you His love, comfort and greatness. God has not finished working in your life either.

Thanking and praising God in the midst of hardship takes strength, and doing so builds strength, resilience and faith. It is about looking upwards to God and His kingdom rather than looking around and inward at the trouble, persecution and demoralising activities that can surround you. So, do not focus on the things that get you down and that seem to defeat you. Acknowledge them and put them into prayer, like this psalmist does, so that you are putting them into the hands of the One who can do something about it! 

This psalmist says, ‘my tongue will talk of your righteous help all the day long’. Is that how you tackle your problems? By remembering God and how awesome He is, thinking about His amazing deeds? Do you make an effort to remind yourself, and others, of where your help comes from? Take inspiration from this person who has lived a life of faith - Practice gratitude when life is troublesome, and praise God through every difficulty. For trouble should not diminish your understanding of the previous works of God, in fact, they should inspire you with the great things God can do now! Hold onto the truth of who God is, His love for you and His strength, then let your ‘lips shout for joy’!

Revenge

Psalm 70:1–5 (ESV):  

1  Make haste, O God, to deliver me! 

O Lord, make haste to help me! 

2  Let them be put to shame and confusion 

who seek my life! 

Let them be turned back and brought to dishonour 

who delight in my hurt! 

3  Let them turn back because of their shame 

who say, “Aha, Aha!” 

4  May all who seek you 

rejoice and be glad in you! 

May those who love your salvation 

say evermore, “God is great!” 

5  But I am poor and needy; 

hasten to me, O God! 

You are my help and my deliverer; 

O Lord, do not delay! 

Have you ever sought revenge?

I bet, like most of us you have. David does, in this psalm he is saying that he wants those who hurt him to be dishonoured, those who want him dead to be confused and ashamed, and those who mock him to be turned away in shame. He wants those who have troubled him to be hurt, to regret the way they have treated him. Yet he is not seeking revenge from his own hands. He asks God to do it. That takes a great deal of strength - to give the plotting, power and action of revenge over to someone else. It means you have to let go of the deep anger within and allow someone else to do what is fitting. Trusting them to act appropriately and to get the right result. Can you imagine how hard that must have been? 

Some of us automatically deal out revenge, or ‘payback’ as my kids call it, without even thinking about it. It is accepted and expected from the culture we are in. If someone hurts you - you get them back. What David did was very cross-cultural, but very much kingdom culture. He trusted God not only with his circumstances but to sort out those who were his enemies too, to give them what they needed and deserved.

I am sure you can relate to feeling hurt, annoyed, or even infuriated when people come against you. Especially when the hurt is unfair and unjustified. David felt like that, it is natural - everyone hates injustice when it is experienced in their life. God hates it too, so it is not a bad thing to feel like that. Yet allowing those emotions to control what you do next is a problem and can get you into trouble. I am sure David had learnt that from the experiences of his life, so in this situation he does not allow his feelings result in action from his own hands. This does not mean that he was inactive - he tells God about it and restrains himself as he bravely hands over his situation and emotions to God so that He can sort out the problem people. 

David does not follow the way of the World and seek his own revenge, but he considers the way of God instead and holds himself back. He restrains his power and tells God what he wants to happen then calls upon God to do something about it. This is displaying kingdom culture and wisdom. It is not easy, but it is the better way. It is not that he wasn't really bothered by what happened - David is passionately ranting at God - look at all the exclamation marks and how many times he asks God to hurry up! He is; frustrated, hurt and furiously angry about these people that are trying to get away with murderous intent. However David does not act in his own power, although he could. He is a king and successful warrior, so he could powerfully deal out revenge. However David knows a better and more successful way and that is to ask God to hurry up and sort them out! 

What strength David shows in his anger to demonstrate trust, restraint, patience and wisdom. For who is best equipped to sort out an injustice and to right a wrong? Surely one who has never committed a wrong and who can be temperate in their response, plus has all resources and strength in their hands. When we deal out revenge or punishment particularly when riled up, angry and agitated, it rarely goes well does it? Often we end up overreacting and make matters worse for ourselves as well as others. People can end up injured and imprisoned because they have sought revenge by their own hands. Therefore, David wisely allows his knowledge of who God is rule his ways and hands over these people into His hands to do what is fitting. Handing over situations, people and emotions to God when you’re frustrated and angry is a powerful and wise move. For a start, consider how much more God can do than you! He has all the resources, experience, knowledge and strength to sort these people out properly. He knows what they need. Plus, if you are part of His family, and have done nothing wrong, do you not think that your loving Father is going to fight on behalf of His kid? 

David knows that God is His Heavenly Father, yet he is fed up of being mocked and ridiculed, hunted down and slandered, so he has a good rant to God about it, asking Him to sort it out. When a child has a rough day, do they not go to their parents and complain about it? Seeking solace, guidance and a solution. If you are a parent, and hear that your child has been mistreated by someone else, what would you do? I am sure you would be more than willing to sort out an injustice out for them! Even the mildest parent can turn into a lion when their child is harmed. So, just as a child trusts their parent to help them when things get tough, you can trust your Heavenly Father to protect and fight for you when you are unfairly treated, threatened or harmed. You do not need to fight your own battles, and it is best if you don’t. You have an Almighty, everlasting, ever-loving Father who is more than willing and capable of bringing judgement and justice, So do not be afraid to call out to Him to be, ‘my help and deliverer’ and to ‘put to shame and confusion’ those who persecute you.

what do you do when you are rejected and alone?

 Can you relate to feeling as David did in this psalm?

Psalm 69:1–36 (ESV):   

Save me, O God! 

For the waters have come up to my neck. 

2  I sink in deep mire, 

where there is no foothold; 

I have come into deep waters, 

and the flood sweeps over me. 

3  I am weary with my crying out; 

my throat is parched. 

My eyes grow dim 

with waiting for my God. 

4  More in number than the hairs of my head 

are those who hate me without cause; 

mighty are those who would destroy me, 

those who attack me with lies. 

What I did not steal 

must I now restore? 

5  O God, you know my folly; 

the wrongs I have done are not hidden from you. 

6  Let not those who hope in you be put to shame through me, 

O Lord God of hosts; 

let not those who seek you be brought to dishonour through me, 

O God of Israel. 

7  For it is for your sake that I have borne reproach, 

that dishonour has covered my face. 

8  I have become a stranger to my brothers, 

an alien to my mother’s sons. 

9  For zeal for your house has consumed me, 

and the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me. 

10  When I wept and humbled my soul with fasting, 

it became my reproach. 

11  When I made sackcloth my clothing, 

I became a byword to them. 

12  I am the talk of those who sit in the gate, 

and the drunkards make songs about me. 

13  But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord. 

At an acceptable time, O God, 

in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness. 

14  Deliver me 

from sinking in the mire; 

let me be delivered from my enemies 

and from the deep waters. 

15  Let not the flood sweep over me, 

or the deep swallow me up, 

or the pit close its mouth over me. 

16  Answer me, O Lord, for your steadfast love is good; 

according to your abundant mercy, turn to me. 

17  Hide not your face from your servant, 

for I am in distress; make haste to answer me. 

18  Draw near to my soul, redeem me; 

ransom me because of my enemies! 

19  You know my reproach, 

and my shame and my dishonour; 

my foes are all known to you. 

20  Reproaches have broken my heart, 

so that I am in despair. 

I looked for pity, but there was none, 

and for comforters, but I found none. 

21  They gave me poison for food, 

and for my thirst they gave me sour wine to drink. 

22  Let their own table before them become a snare; 

and when they are at peace, let it become a trap. 

23  Let their eyes be darkened, so that they cannot see, 

and make their loins tremble continually. 

24  Pour out your indignation upon them, 

and let your burning anger overtake them. 

25  May their camp be a desolation; 

let no one dwell in their tents. 

26  For they persecute him whom you have struck down, 

and they recount the pain of those you have wounded. 

27  Add to them punishment upon punishment; 

may they have no acquittal from you. 

28  Let them be blotted out of the book of the living; 

let them not be enrolled among the righteous. 

29  But I am afflicted and in pain; 

let your salvation, O God, set me on high! 

30  I will praise the name of God with a song; 

I will magnify him with thanksgiving. 

31  This will please the Lord more than an ox 

or a bull with horns and hoofs. 

32  When the humble see it they will be glad; 

you who seek God, let your hearts revive. 

33  For the Lord hears the needy 

and does not despise his own people who are prisoners. 

34  Let heaven and earth praise him, 

the seas and everything that moves in them. 

35  For God will save Zion 

and build up the cities of Judah, 

and people shall dwell there and possess it; 

36  the offspring of his servants shall inherit it, 

and those who love his name shall dwell in it. 

David feels like he is sinking, that God isn’t doing anything. He is worn out with emotional distress and hoarse with crying out to God about it. Yet none of this is because he has done anything wrong. He admits that he has messed up before (v19), yet this situation with his friends and family rejecting him is nothing to do with any error or sin on his side, but because of his wholehearted commitment to God (v9). Can you imagine that? 

Many people in the world can, we hear accounts about those who are persecuted for their faith. There are traumatic stories of imprisonment, restriction and death threats. People in other nations undergo these things because of their love for God and for living life God’s way. Even in our country I have heard of stories of christians making a right stand against an issue resulting in being rejected, disciplined, businesses in trouble, taken to court. All for doing things God’s way. I bet they felt something of what David felt. Feeling like they are in too deep, drowning, rejected, attacked. I have not experienced this level of persecution, yet I found it hard enough when I felt an outcast at work due to the faith I have. It was horrible, yet that was mild compared to level of persecution that David, and others have been through. The reality is, as people of God, we should expect some kind of push back, rejection and trouble. There is an enemy in the world that does not want to see God’s kingdom come, or His people succeed, and so Satan will do everything he can to cause suffering and difficulty. Are you prepared to suffer for your faith, and will you endure it?

David, even though he was taunted and rejected by many even his own family, was prepared to go through it because of his love for God. He was sold out for God and he suffered ridicule and rejection because of it, he acknowledged that these things, ‘have broken my heart, so that I am in despair’. David felt broken by the words and actions of others. David grieved for the lost relationships and felt like he was being engulfed in misery, drowning in a sea of grief because of the extent of his heartache. He was rejected and abandoned as those he loved and relied upon turned away from him, rejected and ridiculed him. He suffered. There was a great emotional response because he cared for these people, yet he knew his words and behaviour would not change because he loved God more. No wonder David felt so distraught, he knew the cause of the tension between himself and others was his love for God, and he couldn't change that, so he had to endure heartache and the hardship. When the faith you have effects the relationships you have developed, this will really test your commitment to God. You will have to choose between God and those you care about and it will lead to despair, heartbreak and loneliness, what will you do when you encounter such difficulties?

David cried out to God, and didn't stop crying out to Him! We can hear how David suffered, and we can look at our Saviour Jesus to see how he too suffered rejection, heartbreak, loneliness and pain because of loving and obeying God. Yet both David and Jesus continued to pursue God. They did not turn back, they asked for relief, for change, for help, but they chose to continue to suffer because they knew God is greater. They understood that His love, protection, guidance, comfort and strength are worth suffering for. They also knew that these things are available even in the midst of the turmoil. They spoke to God and trusted Him to help them through. After all, if everyone else has rejected you, who is left to help, encourage and strengthen you? 

David pours out his heart to God, ‘my prayer is to you, O Lord’. He depended on no-one else for salvation, rescue or relief. David knew who could save him from, ‘sinking in the mire’. So he held onto this hope, this faith that God’s ‘steadfast love is good’. That was enough for him to endure and have hope for a new day. Is that enough for you? 

Only God can sustain and protect you from drowning in despair and save you from the trial of rejection and hopelessness. His love is good and steadfast, and He supports and saves those He loves, so keep going and copy David. Allow yourself to feel the pain of radical obedience, ask God for help, and continue to worship. His love will carry you through every circumstance no matter how bitter or joyful. Rely on Him to, ‘draw near to my soul, redeem me’ and continue, no matter what to, ‘praise the name of God’. ‘For the Lord hears the needy and does not despise his own people who are prisoners.’ Trust in God, for man may reject you, but God will not and He will revive your heart (v32).

the inward mind and heart of a man are deep

 Psalm 64:1–10 (ESV):  

1  Hear my voice, O God, in my complaint; 

preserve my life from dread of the enemy. 

2  Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked, 

from the throng of evildoers, 

3  who whet their tongues like swords, 

who aim bitter words like arrows, 

4  shooting from ambush at the blameless, 

shooting at him suddenly and without fear. 

5  They hold fast to their evil purpose; 

they talk of laying snares secretly, 

thinking, “Who can see them?” 

6  They search out injustice, 

saying, “We have accomplished a diligent search.” 

For the inward mind and heart of a man are deep. 

7  But God shoots his arrow at them; 

they are wounded suddenly. 

8  They are brought to ruin, with their own tongues turned against them; 

all who see them will wag their heads. 

9  Then all mankind fears; 

they tell what God has brought about 

and ponder what he has done. 

10  Let the righteous one rejoice in the Lord 

and take refuge in him! 

Let all the upright in heart exult! 

Words can easily entangle and lead us down a path we never really intended on going down. This psalm can remind us how the words of deception, rumours and lies spread, and build into becoming swords, arrows and snares. The little quips and comments grow to transform people into enemies, this is what happened to David. It is bad enough having one person lying about you, saying horrible things and plotting against you, but David had a ‘throng of evildoers’ against him. How did that happen? These enemies and their schemes all started somewhere. There was one moment when something was done or said that has taken over and spiralled. One disagreement, angry word, disappointment, error, jealousy or miscommunication has led to people becoming disgruntled, conniving enemies. It may not even have been anything to do with what David has done or said. People can become our enemies for many reasons. Yet, just because someone is railing against you, doesn’t mean you should do the same. David recognised this. It is important, even when people are horrible to you, to deal with them well - To live above reproach. David did not; shout things back, sneak around after them, try to catch them out or even confront and fight them. He could have done - he was a powerful, mighty king! Even though he could have fought, and won, he did not take matters into his own hands. He could have permanently got rid of these troublesome, lying, deceitful, wicked plotters who attacked him. Instead, David preferred God's way. He talked to God about it and trusted in His eventual salvation, knowing that God’s way is better. David did not repay evil for evil, but he patiently waited for God to start shooting His arrows instead of shooting his own. For David knew that God would transform the situation and cause these enemies to be on the run and descend into ruin because they are attacking God’s man. God preserves and fights for those who love Him, so David was assured that he would not only be rescued by God from this situation, but that it would also be for the benefit other believers too. As they would see God come through and rejoice! (V10). What is your response when people behave like enemies towards you?

It is important as mentioned above, to ensure that you are living above reproach in every circumstance. To make sure that even if people treat you badly, you do not do the same to them. Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:39, "I say to you, do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also”. Jesus' advice - Do not try to squash the behaviour of those acting badly, but let them do it! By that you are showing love and mercy like God does to us. Do not allow yourself to retaliate or become angry, for that is not godliness and you will just end up behaving the same way as those against you and become wicked yourself. Consider the disciples in the book of Acts, they undergo terrible treatment, but do not react in their own strength. They endure torture and imprisonment and glorify and trust in God through it. They did not retaliate, fight or argue back. Instead they imitated their saviour in their loving and merciful responses to those who became their enemies. They are great examples of living a painful, but dedicated life to God. They lived their life fully for Him and that meant they didn’t always behave in the way they wanted to. The disciples understood that Jesus had shown that the battle is not really theirs, that even the enemies are not fighting you, but the godliness that is within. They also realised that any argument or physical fight is not going to change the heart or mindset of the wicked. Only the love and mercy of God can do that. Do you allow this to be the case when you have enemies? Or do you roll your sleeves up ready for a fight?

David also gives us an insight in this psalm that people have many reasons for doing things as, ‘The inward mind and heart of a man are deep’. David has realised that all people have; fears, hurts, joys and hopes which combine to influence their behaviour. David recognises that there are many reasons why someone will act in a certain way because they are ‘deep’. Some get carried away, follow others, respond out of heartache, try to provide security - there are many explanations of why people behave as they do because we are complex creatures. Friends and enemies have reasons to be such, and predominantly it is not because of you. It is because of the deep things that are going on inside of them. The behaviour and decisions a person makes are often not due to one experience or one comment, but there are many thoughts, values and experiences that lead to it. Those who live righteously and those who live wickedly choose to do so as a result of the internal processing of many ideas, ideals, experiences and goals. The things that mould a person into who they become are many and complicated, and they impact how they treat others. 

When you are on the receiving end of poor behaviour or wickedness, it is easy to consider the person or people involved as wicked. Yet you do not know the inner depths of each person for, ‘The inward mind and heart of a man are deep’. You do not know that they have been through, or why they are acting as they are. Sometimes these people may even seem quite nice and honourable, as they may act wickedly towards you, but they also can seem righteous or good at times! (v5-6) People are complex creatures, we all are. We all have different motivations and reasons for being like we are. We can even seem nice to some and horrid to others. David has noticed how even those plotting evil diligently against him, ‘search out injustice’. Yet they themselves are unjust in their words and actions towards him. It is a conundrum, but not one that any of us can solve by worrying about it. Instead, David does the only thing he can - talks to God about it - the One who knows the innermost being of every man and woman, and he trusts Him to sort it out. David is certain God will bring about the right course of action, and he will wait for it. For now, until his rescue comes, David will take refuge in speaking with God, trusting in His protection, for the time will come when ‘God shoots his arrows’ at these evildoers, and the people of God will, ‘rejoice in the Lord’ for the victory God has brought about. So instead of preparing to fight, why not take guidance from David, who did not roll up his sleeves and prepare for a battle when people plotted against him, but talked to God, carried on his everyday life and waited and trusted in the love and mercy of God to bring salvation and reason for all of God's people to rejoice?

 

Riches, power and wealth

 Psalm 62:1–12 (ESV):  

1  For God alone my soul waits in silence; 

from him comes my salvation. 

2  He alone is my rock and my salvation, 

my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken. 

3  How long will all of you attack a man 

to batter him, 

like a leaning wall, a tottering fence? 

4  They only plan to thrust him down from his high position. 

They take pleasure in falsehood. 

They bless with their mouths, 

but inwardly they curse. Selah 

5  For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, 

for my hope is from him. 

6  He only is my rock and my salvation, 

my fortress; I shall not be shaken. 

7  On God rests my salvation and my glory; 

my mighty rock, my refuge is God. 

8  Trust in him at all times, O people; 

pour out your heart before him; 

God is a refuge for us. Selah 

9  Those of low estate are but a breath; 

those of high estate are a delusion; 

in the balances they go up; 

they are together lighter than a breath. 

10  Put no trust in extortion; 

set no vain hopes on robbery; 

if riches increase, set not your heart on them. 

11  Once God has spoken; 

twice have I heard this: 

that power belongs to God, 

12  and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love. 

For you will render to a man 

according to his work. 

How often do you silently wait?

David says, ‘For God alone my soul waits in silence’. When waiting, most people; complain, sigh, drum their fingers, stomp, groan or mutter, which increases their frustration. David, however, waits silently. Peacefully and patiently standing by for God to answer. How often do you do that - sit in the discomfort of waiting? I imagine it is more likely that most of us rush off to find solutions, sometimes even with the attitude of - “well, I prayed about it, God didn’t answer so I did x, y and z”. This leads to frustration, a decline in faith, and stress. If you learnt to wait for God, I wonder what answers you would get and I wonder what you would learn in the uncomfortable silence. David learnt to allow his soul to be at peace whilst he waited for he realised that, ‘from him comes my salvation’. When you ask God things, do you wait long enough and quietly enough for God to bring you answers and salvation? 

‘’I shall not be greatly shaken’

Is this your testimony? Do the events of life, changes of circumstance greatly shake you? There is a difference between being shaken and greatly shaken. Being shaken is like being shocked, feeling off-guard, seeing the twist in the story and not being ready for it. Greatly shaken is like feeling like your whole world is falling apart. We can all get shaken, surprising and shocking things happen, how do they effect you? If you believe and trust in God, then the things of llifeg may shale you but you shouldn't become greatly shaken. If you do, consider what foundations your life is built upon. Are you trusting fully in God, or is there something else that you lean and rely on; family, money, job, position, health? These things are like ‘a tottering fence’, it doesn’t take much for them to let you down. Yet God is your rock, salvation and your fortress, so look to and depend upon Him, then you cannot be greatly shaken. A storm may come, the fence will fall, but a rock remains firm. 

‘If riches increase, set not your heart upon them’

When money comes, it is easy to get distracted. Jesus himself tells us, “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!" (Mathew 19:24). An increase in money can easily become something that is relied upon. The world functions through money; you need it to buy; food, clothes, pay rent, bills, even fun and entertainment. So it is not easy to stop money having influence over your heart and mind, as you need it to function in this world. Times of blessing and abundance can breed danger for if you end up feeling happy and secure by having wealth, be careful that you haven't taken your mind and eyes off the One who has provided it. Money is fickle and will let you down, even if you feel like you have much. Instead put what you have in right perspective - just consider what you have in comparison to the riches of God! Your plenty is worth less than pennies to God, so look to Him, set your heart upon Him. Money is a resource, not a life source. So use it but do not allow your life to be built around it. God is the source of all things. So base your life, heart and mind on Him for money comes and money goes (just look at your bank account!). Yet God is stable and steadfast. 

'power belongs to God’

Do not waste your time, money or effort trying to gain influence or power, for the source of these things is God. If you want to know what power looks like - look at Him. Consider His power, and the way He uses it. God’s power sustains and loves His creation. Power exists in order to take care of and nurture what God has made - this was God’s mandate for man in the beginning that as humans we should take care of the Earth, this is the responsibility he gave humanity. So whatever power you have, consider, what do you use it for? Are you intentionally using whatever influence and power you have to take responsibility for loving God and His creation? If you are a follower of God, you have responsibility to look after God’s interests. Therefore any power, role or responsibility you are given on Earth, be mindful of how you use it. ‘Power belongs to God’, so ensure that the influence you have is subjected to Him first, and use it as He sees fit. Power is not to be used for selfish gain or vain motives, but all power belongs to God. Therefore if you have been entrusted with some, ensure you honour God with how you use it. For God can give power and He can take it away. It belongs to Him, not you, you haven’t earned it, you don’t deserve it, and you may increase or decrease in it as you go through life for it belongs to God, therefore be a careful guardian of the influence you have. whilst you have it.

In this psalm there are some strong challenges to how you live life, how you use and respond to events, blessings, power and authority. Is all of it submitted to God? Do you, like David, trust in God alone?

Dealing with hypocrisy

 Psalm 41:1–13 (ESV):  

1 Blessed is the one who considers the poor! 

In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him; 

2  the Lord protects him and keeps him alive; 

he is called blessed in the land; 

you do not give him up to the will of his enemies. 

3  The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; 

in his illness you restore him to full health. 

4  As for me, I said, “O Lord, be gracious to me; 

heal me, for I have sinned against you!” 

5  My enemies say of me in malice, 

“When will he die, and his name perish?” 

6  And when one comes to see me, he utters empty words, 

while his heart gathers iniquity; 

when he goes out, he tells it abroad. 

7  All who hate me whisper together about me; 

they imagine the worst for me. 

8  They say, “A deadly thing is poured out on him; 

he will not rise again from where he lies.” 

9  Even my close friend in whom I trusted, 

who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me. 

10  But you, O Lord, be gracious to me, 

and raise me up, that I may repay them! 

11  By this I know that you delight in me: 

my enemy will not shout in triumph over me. 

12  But you have upheld me because of my integrity, 

and set me in your presence forever. 

13  Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, 

from everlasting to everlasting! 

Amen and Amen. 

In these verses we see how David starts generically talking about how God blesses, ‘the one who considers the poor’. He then applies this to his life and realises that considering those that have less or are weaker than yourself somehow leads to God’s blessing. Showing mercy, being courteous, kind and demonstrating compassion to those who need it means that in some way you earn God’s favour. If you do it with the right motives of course, as God sees the heart and intention of your actions. 

David then considers how this relates to his present position. He recognises that although he is very ill, yet, ‘The Lord sustains him’. Not only that, but he is aware that God is also; restoring him, has given him favour throughout his country, has not given up on him or given him over to his enemies. David acknowledges that despite the current pain and suffering, he is still blessed! God is still showing favour to him and David puts this down to the fact that he has shown kindness and compassion to those who are poor and needy, and has done his best to be a man of integrity living his life following God. David considers himself blessed even at this time when he is significantly ill and repentant. He is waiting for, yet assured of, the fact that God will restore him both physically and spiritually, because although he knows he is not perfect, he has lived his life doing his best to honour God and consider others. 

This season was not easy for David. Although he was assured of God’s blessing and mercy, he still had to endure the discomfort physically, spiritually and emotionally. It still hurt, he still suffered. David tells us that there are people that are visiting him that are awaiting his death and spreading news of his demise. Those that should have shown concern for his current illness are actually gathering to see if it will finish him off and then spreading rumours of his decline. Yet David knew that he was being healed and restored. Therefore there must have been signs of improvement but these people chose not to see it and certainly did not want it. These people, even close friends, went to see him pretending to have concern and compassion, but instead of trying to help or hope for his recovery they spread false rumours that, ‘he will not rise again’. These people weren’t just any visitors either for they have intimate access to the king. So they must have been trusted advisers, friends, courtiers, influential people in David’s realm. Not everyone would have access to the chambers of the king especially when he was weak, only significant people in the king's life would have the permission to see him. Yet these people abused their privilege and showed their real character through this time of David’s suffering. They revealed that they are not friends or trusted counsellors but enemies instead of caring for David and showing concern for his decline they revelled in it. What a heartbreaking situation to find yourself in. When those you care about, trust, love and have built life with, root for your destruction. Not only was David dealing with repentance, blessing and illness, he also had to deal with the emotional upheaval of changing relationships. They thought he would be able to do nothing about their altered attitudes as they waited expectantly for his death. Yet he knew their thoughts and actions and was given confidence that, ‘my enemy will not shout in triumph over me’. God must have shown David that his recovery was coming as he knew he was not as unwell as others desired. He was certain that God was upholding him because of his integrity, due to his behaviour towards God and others so he was assured that this season would result in full health and restoration and the blessing of God.

Times of trouble can reveal who is really for you and who is not. David began to recognise that some people were hypocritical and had transformed themselves from close counsellors into enemies. Yet he did not do anything about it whilst he was unwell. He waited. He did not throw them out or prevent them from coming to see him. Maybe he was waiting to gather further evidence to see if his concerns were validated. He did not react out of fear or anger, but knew that God would deal with them and that he would have an opportunity to, ‘repay them’. He had a God-given assurance that in good time, all would be made right. Even though experiencing hypocrisy is infuriating, it does not always need calling out and confronting straight away. Allow yourself time to consider the circumstances, the person and talk to God about it like David did. It will be frustrating, feel powerless and painful, but God will show you how to deal with such people. Their comeuppance is coming, you need to ensure that you continue to live with integrity and maintain your own good conduct and character. David was determined to do this - to maintain his right standing before God, to not respond until he was fully recovered and to allow God to influence how to deal with these deceitful people. So if you find yourself having to deal with a similar situation, do not rush to react or let your emotions get out of hand. Instead trust that God will reveal truth and restore you. He will not allow the enemies of His dedicated followers prevail. He didn’t allow that for David, and He won’t allow that for you. So, keep; praying, waiting and trusting that God sees and knows all. He will sustain and restore you too. So, when you suffer, when you have times of trial, when people disappoint and come against you - keep mindful about what God is doing, who He is and what you can expect of Him. Consider your relationship with Him and your behaviour towards others. David was confident that he would be restored and his name and integrity upheld. God will do the same for you as you continue to walk with Him, lead a life of integrity and care for the poor. Ensure that you live a life that allows you with full confidence to say along with David that God has, 'upheld me because of my integrity, and set me in your presence forever.

Are you trusting in what is temporal or eternal?

 Psalm 33:1–22 (ESV): 

Shout for joy in the Lord, O you righteous! 

Praise befits the upright. 

2  Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre; 

make melody to him with the harp of ten strings! 

3  Sing to him a new song; 

play skilfully on the strings, with loud shouts. 

4  For the word of the Lord is upright, 

and all his work is done in faithfulness. 

5  He loves righteousness and justice; 

the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord. 

6  By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, 

and by the breath of his mouth all their host. 

7  He gathers the waters of the sea as a heap; 

he puts the deeps in storehouses. 

8  Let all the earth fear the Lord; 

let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him! 

9  For he spoke, and it came to be; 

he commanded, and it stood firm. 

10  The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; 

he frustrates the plans of the peoples. 

11  The counsel of the Lord stands forever, 

the plans of his heart to all generations. 

12  Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, 

the people whom he has chosen as his heritage! 

13  The Lord looks down from heaven; 

he sees all the children of man; 

14  from where he sits enthroned he looks out 

on all the inhabitants of the earth, 

15  he who fashions the hearts of them all 

and observes all their deeds. 

16  The king is not saved by his great army; 

a warrior is not delivered by his great strength. 

17  The war horse is a false hope for salvation, 

and by its great might it cannot rescue. 

18  Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, 

on those who hope in his steadfast love, 

19  that he may deliver their soul from death 

and keep them alive in famine. 

20  Our soul waits for the Lord; 

he is our help and our shield. 

21  For our heart is glad in him, 

because we trust in his holy name. 

22  Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, 

even as we hope in you. 

Are you righteous and full of thanks and praise? 

If you love God and follow Him, then joy and gratitude should be what you display. It does not matter how you do it, what instrument you use, or the method or quality of your worship. Use whatever you can to praise Him; sing, shout, play music, speak, just ensure you are giving gratitude and praise to God. This is the encouragement David gives. No matter your circumstances, where you live or what is happening in your nation, God still deserves the glory. You can worship because you know that, ‘The counsel of the Lord stands forever’. Rather than reading the news and becoming afraid, or looking around and seeing desperation, danger and disaster, relying on world powers and their armies or clever plans to sort out the events of the world, let your security rest in the One who, ‘stands forever’. For He, ‘spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.’ What God says goes. He is secure, enduring and capable so He can be relied upon and trusted in when other people and things can't. He is firm and stable and has out-smarted any worldly intelligence. He knows what He is doing and why. This world adapts and changes, succeeds, inspires, rises, falls and can depress and demotivate. However, God’s words and actions stand firm and endure forever. Therefore consider what you are spending your time looking into and believing. Things of the world are temporal, things of God, eternal. 

The world and its views and values are fleeting, sometimes unsubstantiated and silly. God’s are unchangeable, reliable, considered and true. What views, values and events are you concerned with and focussed on? Are you more reliably researching the latest news story or the truths of the Bible? Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that people should not be aware of what is going on around them, what I am saying is do not let the things of this world out-trump the things of God in your life. Do not become persuaded, afraid, or despondent about the things going on around you, but rest in the power, majesty, capability and eternity of God instead! This psalm reminds us that kings, armies and war horses are powerless to alter; salvation, personal conflict, famine and starvation. No world power, or authority can resolve these issues. Only God can (v16-19). Therefore do not expend much of your time and energy on the things that really cannot help you, instead look to God. As He alone can provide the solution. He offers you salvation, forgiveness, internal peace and comfort and will provide and sustain you. Other sources may make big promises but they cannot alter the state of your soul let alone provide sustenance for the body. Trust in God, He can give you whatever you need. 

Strength, power, land, possessions and riches cannot do much to cause a nation to stand - consider the Roman Empire, Babylon or even the British Empire - all have once been considerable, powerful, strong world influencers, and now they are History. World influence and power exist for but a short time, but God’s will, His plans, influence, power and riches last forever! So why trust in temporal things?! Consider what you are building your life upon. Relying on and investing time and mental energy in world issues can be a distraction from worshipping God. Do you have a good balance? What are you influenced by and what develops your views and values?

When you delight and revel in the splendour of God you will learn that His strength, influence, power and love will never tire, run out or fade. God is the One that can sustain and protect as well as diminish and destroy. Therefore, ‘stand in awe of him’. Do not let other things blind you to His power and majesty, but stand firm in your faith in the One who ‘stands forever’. Set your mind to not be overcome by the things of this world, but in all ways and experiences, in every way, worship God. Remind yourself of who He is, what He has done and what He has promised and your fears and concerns will melt away as you realise the beauty and enormity of the Lord your God. 

Therefore; shout for joy, praise, give thanks, make melody, sing, play and shout to God, ‘For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness’.

Praying for leaders

The psalm that we are considering today is a different style to those we have come across thus far. The previous psalms have been very personal written in first person singular, now we come to a song that is written in plural for the most part. Its form is a song to be sung over/to a king rather than a personal response of an individual. 

Psalm 20:1–9 (ESV):  

1  May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble! 

May the name of the God of Jacob protect you! 

2  May he send you help from the sanctuary 

and give you support from Zion! 

3  May he remember all your offerings 

and regard with favour your burnt sacrifices! Selah 

4  May he grant you your heart’s desire 

and fulfil all your plans! 

5  May we shout for joy over your salvation, 

and in the name of our God set up our banners! 

May the Lord fulfil all your petitions! 

6  Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed; 

he will answer him from his holy heaven 

with the saving might of his right hand. 

7  Some trust in chariots and some in horses, 

but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. 

8  They collapse and fall, 

but we rise and stand upright. 

9  O Lord, save the king! 

May he answer us when we call. 

What a way to pray for leaders! That God may; answer them when they have trouble, protect them, help and support them, remember their goodness, complete their plans and satisfy their hearts - what more could a person want from life?! Praying for our leaders to be blessed and be successful will make their job easier, and lives more restful. 

This psalm was created to be sung by the people of Israel over their king, most likely in the time of David as he was about to lead the army into battle. Can you imagine how that would affect both the king, the army and the nation? A song that inspires, reminds, calls to faith the leader of the country and demonstrates the support all people - what a powerful, inspiring and motivating song that must have been to hear! The confidence that the people of Israel have in their king is inspired by the confidence they have in their God. They know God will answer and be present with their king because God ordained him and so God will work through his life. Do you know that the same is true for the leaders you know?  Even the leaders you dislike and disagree with, God has a purpose for the season of their authority. Will you pray for them? It pleases God when you do, and it will do you and others good. 

In the New Testament Timothy writes, ‘I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Saviour’ (1Timothy 2:1-3). Timothy and the writer of this psalm see the real, tangible benefit of praying and supporting those in leadership. It can be hard to do when we see those in power who are ungodly, wicked or foolish, but should that not inspire you to pray even more? How much more of a miraculous breakthrough would it be for such a person to become a spirit-led, gracious, supportive and cohesive leader?! 

I hope this psalm inspires you to pray for your leaders. Imagine the joy it would be to serve a people that pray for you in this manner. To know that in whatever circumstance you face, people are praying that God might intervene, in trouble and triumph and even to meet the hidden internal needs and desires of their hearts. What a privilege it would be to lead if people were to pray/sing this psalm over the leaders they know today. I can imagine the confidence, hope, security and trust this would build in any person in charge that this would have been sung to. How encouraging and inspiring to have people trusting and hoping in a leader but moreover in God that they would respond with this psalm. Do you pray like this for your leaders? It may be a; manager, boss, president, king, queen, religious leader, mentor, chief, politician, trainer, officer, or any other role that holds responsibility. Will you cast concerns and frustrations aside and pray as this psalm does? As someone who has a greater faith in God than in man can you ask God to intervene, lead and guide those in authority to be successful and bring change and joy to the people of God?  If you don’t do it, who will? 

‘is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Saviour’ and He may well, ‘answer us when we call’. 

Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?

 Psalm 10:1–18:

1 Why, O Lord, do you stand far away? 

Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? 

2  In arrogance the wicked hotly pursue the poor; 

let them be caught in the schemes that they have devised. 

3  For the wicked boasts of the desires of his soul, 

and the one greedy for gain curses and renounces the Lord. 

4  In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him; 

all his thoughts are, “There is no God.” 

5  His ways prosper at all times; 

your judgments are on high, out of his sight; 

as for all his foes, he puffs at them. 

6  He says in his heart, “I shall not be moved; 

throughout all generations I shall not meet adversity.” 

7  His mouth is filled with cursing and deceit and oppression; 

under his tongue are mischief and iniquity. 

8  He sits in ambush in the villages; 

in hiding places he murders the innocent. 

His eyes stealthily watch for the helpless; 

9  he lurks in ambush like a lion in his thicket; 

he lurks that he may seize the poor; 

he seizes the poor when he draws him into his net. 

10  The helpless are crushed, sink down, 

and fall by his might. 

11  He says in his heart, “God has forgotten, 

he has hidden his face, he will never see it.” 

12  Arise, O Lord; O God, lift up your hand; 

forget not the afflicted. 

13  Why does the wicked renounce God 

and say in his heart, “You will not call to account”? 

14  But you do see, for you note mischief and vexation, 

that you may take it into your hands; 

to you the helpless commits himself; 

you have been the helper of the fatherless. 

15  Break the arm of the wicked and evildoer; 

call his wickedness to account till you find none. 

16  The Lord is king forever and ever; 

the nations perish from his land. 

17  O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted; 

you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear 

18  to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, 

so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more. 

Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? 

Have you ever felt that this is true, that when you most need Him, God is hiding? If so, you will probably relate to David's words in this psalm. He too wondered why God seems so far off when trouble comes. So he rants to God about it, getting his concerns and fears off his chest by telling God about the harm and distress he sees going. He lets God that he sees it is not fair that those unable to help themselves are persecuted. Yet the powerful. greedy people who have no regard for God are successful and the cause of  oppression. As you consider the world today - has much changed?

The reason for a lot of suffering and oppression is often because those who do not follow God are getting their own way (v3). They are interested in what they can get out of life at whatever cost and do not care that others may be negatively affected by their pursuits. The wicked boast of their; lifestyle, riches, power and desires unhindered and seemingly unopposed. They have a disregard for others and for the concept that there may even be a God - they are the master of their own worth and destiny (v11 &13). Yet what they desire never seems satisfied and so they go further from God and descend into greater chaos, ignorance and sin. Their wicked desires can never be fulfilled. There will never be enough; money, time, entertainment, knowledge or physical pleasure to fulfil their lives, but they seek more and more and end up drowning in despair, chaos and sin. Yet they know not what they are doing - they do not realise that this endless unsatisfying cycle can stop when they begin to know God. These people are seen as wicked and determined in their sinful ways, and so they can be, yet, is it not actually sad that these people are missing out on satisfaction, hope and fulfilment? They are growing in sin because they do not know God and so they do not really know themselves nor the way to contentment and they don't know it. This is why David invites God to, ‘Break the arm of the wicked and evildoer; call his wickedness to account till you find none’. David requests that God break the strength of the wicked so that the suffering of others may stop but also so that they can be called to account. The best solution David sees is that these 'evildoers' realise their wrongs and receive the full forgiveness of God. That is David's plea for the corruption that he witnesses - is that yours? Often we pray for the demise and destruction of the wicked and their schemes, but do you pray for the salvation and restoration of their souls? David prayed for their transformation, that God would so change them that no wickedness could be found in them. Has not God done that for you? Transformed your life from one of wicked intent to a life seeking to honour and obey Him? So, should you not join David as he yearns for the breaking of the strength of the wicked and for their salvation? Even the person furthest away from God has a need for Him they just haven’t found it yet. God has not yet broken their arm and called them to account, but He will. 

when David sees situations that are unjust and unfair he goes to God about it. He rants and pours out his experience and what he witnesses, then he lets God knows what he thinks and seeks God for a radical solution, knowing that God is king of it all. Instead of asking for the wicked to be beaten and diminished, he asks for their salvation. Instead of praying that the oppressed and poor will be elevated, he asks that God will strengthen, help, hear and do justice for them. How do you pray for those far from God and for those whom are suffering? 

David has come to realise that even when God seems to be doing nothing, God is aware. He is not actually hiding or closing His eyes to what is happening. God has His plan we don't know what it is. So we have to wait and trust Him knowing that God is good and that He cares for HIs people. When you next encounter a situation where you wonder what God is doing try praying like David - let God know what you see, remember who God is and pray for radical solutions like salvation and strength for, 'The Lord is king forever and ever' He has a longer-term vision than we ever could have asHe has reigned and will reign forever so do not worry, God has it all in hand.

Have you learnt from past victories?

 Psalm 9 (ESV): 

A Psalm of David. 

1  I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; 

I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. 

2  I will be glad and exult in you; 

I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. 

3  When my enemies turn back, 

they stumble and perish before your presence. 

4  For you have maintained my just cause; 

you have sat on the throne, giving righteous judgment. 

5  You have rebuked the nations; you have made the wicked perish; 

you have blotted out their name forever and ever. 

6  The enemy came to an end in everlasting ruins; 

their cities you rooted out; 

the very memory of them has perished. 

7  But the Lord sits enthroned forever; 

he has established his throne for justice, 

8  and he judges the world with righteousness; 

he judges the peoples with uprightness. 

9  The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, 

a stronghold in times of trouble. 

10  And those who know your name put their trust in you, 

for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. 

11  Sing praises to the Lord, who sits enthroned in Zion! 

Tell among the peoples his deeds! 

12  For he who avenges blood is mindful of them; 

he does not forget the cry of the afflicted. 

13  Be gracious to me, O Lord! 

See my affliction from those who hate me, 

O you who lift me up from the gates of death, 

14  that I may recount all your praises, 

that in the gates of the daughter of Zion 

I may rejoice in your salvation. 

15  The nations have sunk in the pit that they made; 

in the net that they hid, their own foot has been caught. 

16  The Lord has made himself known; he has executed judgment; 

the wicked are snared in the work of their own hands. Higgaion. Selah 

17  The wicked shall return to Sheol, 

all the nations that forget God. 

18  For the needy shall not always be forgotten, 

and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever. 

19  Arise, O Lord! Let not man prevail; 

let the nations be judged before you! 

20  Put them in fear, O Lord! 

Let the nations know that they are but men! Selah 

Have you learnt from past victories?

At the start of this psalm we read an outpouring of thanksgiving to God for His past work (v1-12). David recalls how God is; just, wonderful, powerful, triumphant, eternal, king, orchestrator of the past and present, righteous, strong, protective, safe, and invested in those who follow Him. David remembers the truth of who God is, the miraculous ways He has worked, His character and His care for those that follow Him. All of this at a time when David is imploring God to, 'lift me up from the gates of death'! Before David asks God to intervene and help him, he ensures that he reminds himself who God really is and what He has already done. Do you do the same? Before you pour out the pain you feel and complain to God, do you take time to remember who God is and what He has already done for you? Past victories that you have seen, heard of or experienced should impact your faith and your life. Your witnessing of the past; triumphs, protection, breakthroughs, power and might of God should influence the way you pray. 

David prays from this acknowledgement of whom God has proved himself to be - he remembers with gratitude, warmth and growing strength that God is a winner and that God has prevailed many times before. David praises God for what He has done already, and reminds himself that this same God is with him right now in this 'affliction'. Is this how you pray into difficult circumstances? What have you learnt about the character of God from past victories that can equip and empower you as you pray now? Your previous experiences should inform your prayers of the present. God is the same now as He was then, and you can learn and grow in strength and faith by changing your mindset from one of despair and angst to one of hope and security. You do this by doing as David did - remembering the victories already won by God, and then recounting what is happening in life right now. How often do you pray the other way round - problems first, praise later (if at all)?

More often than not the current crisis swamps anything else. That is why it is important to remind yourself that there have been troubled times previously that you have survived. That you have come through because of God's; protection, strength, and righteousness. It is important to remember. It builds your faith and hope. As you read this psalm, you can hear David's hope, joy and faith building before he lets God know he is suffering. Do you want to know hope, joy and faith in the midst of turmoil? Then recall the past victories and thank God for what He has done in your life and in the lives of others. Do not let your state of mind be dictated to by your current circumstances, instead let your understanding of God dictate your state of mind and your circumstances by doing something different - praising and glorifying God in the midst of hardship. 

David does. He remembers, he thanks and praises and it helps him put his current situation into context. He knows that this current, 'affliction' will pass with God's help, but it is only a short space of time when considering his whole life. The same is true for whatever you are facing. Considering your whole life, this time of affliction will one day cease, but you need help getting through it. It is but a short time considering the expanse of life and eternity, so who better to assist you than the all-powerful and all-loving, eternal creator of life? Invite Him into your situation, remembering how God has shown his love power, grace and sufficiency for you before. He has not changed, you may have, but He has not and He loves, cares for and desires to protect and strengthen you in this current season. Are you depending on Him as you have before? 

Have you learnt from past victories?

Praying like David

 Psalm 5 (ESV): A Psalm of David. 

1  Give ear to my words, O Lord; 

consider my groaning. 

2  Give attention to the sound of my cry, 

my King and my God, 

for to you do I pray. 

3  O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; 

in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch. 

4  For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; 

evil may not dwell with you. 

5  The boastful shall not stand before your eyes; 

you hate all evildoers. 

6  You destroy those who speak lies; 

the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man. 

7  But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, 

will enter your house. 

I will bow down toward your holy temple 

in the fear of you. 

8  Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness 

because of my enemies; 

make your way straight before me. 

9  For there is no truth in their mouth; 

their inmost self is destruction; 

their throat is an open grave; 

they flatter with their tongue. 

10  Make them bear their guilt, O God; 

let them fall by their own counsels; 

because of the abundance of their transgressions cast them out, 

for they have rebelled against you. 

11  But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; 

let them ever sing for joy, 

and spread your protection over them, 

that those who love your name may exult in you. 

12  For you bless the righteous, O Lord; 

you cover him with favour as with a shield. 

We can tell from this psalm, and others that he has written, that there is a pattern to David’s daily life. He has an established routine that consists of praying and giving sacrifices to God. Even as a ruler of a nation David finds time to talk to and honour God. This is how he begins each day. This time with God allows him to get all of the annoying things off of his chest, rant about the problems, remember who God is, and seek guidance. It helps David refocus and ready himself for the day. Do you do the same - is God included in your preparations for the day? No matter how busy you are, your responsibilities or expectations, do you allow yourself the privilege of spending time with God so that your burdens, concerns and desires can be put in His hands rather than your own? 

As part of this daily exchange David has with God, he shows us that he; speaks (v2), sacrifices and waits (v3), rants (4-6), extols God (v7, 8, 12), asks God to help (v8) and reminds himself of God’s promises (v12). Part of prayer and growing a relationship with God should involve all of these things. It is being real about life and knowing and accepting who really is in charge. 

Did you know that being sacrificial should be involved in your time with God? It could be obeying Him in some way that is really difficult for you or giving things away. Being willing to give God your best may look like giving something up or taking something on that you don't want to. It will hurt and cause discomfort otherwise it is not a sacrifice! A sacrifice looks like surrendering and giving up and it is required in order to truly worship God. If you want to invest in a relationship with God you will find that it is not easy and it demands something from you. Not because you have to pay or persuade God that you'll be a good friend, but in any relationship there is a sense of surrender and sacrifice because it comes from a position of love. Maybe consider it this way; without the sacrificial element to a faith-filled life - what is it that you are putting into the relationship with God? Some talking, requests and offloading? Is that a relationship? Relationships are two-way, so ensure that you are worshipping, sacrificing and waiting when you spend time with God. Let Him reveal His ideas, plans, purposes and commands to you and carefully consider how you are going to follow and honour God each day. Ask God what He wants from you, then trust Him. Even if it is really hard and hurts (sacrifices do) it will do you good, it demonstrates that you are an invested follower of God, and reminds you that your life is not your own.  

David prepares a sacrifice for God and then watches (v3). In his time with God, David through prayer; worships, gives of himself and waits. Does your prayer routine look like that? David doesn’t do all the talking. He does some, he puts himself aside and puts God first through his words and actions (extolling God and making sacrifices) and then he prepares himself for God to respond. David whilst he is waiting for God’s reply reminds himself who God is and who He isn’t (v4-6), and then gains confidence in the fact that God is on his side as a man who follows Him. So, no matter what, David knows that he will be blessed and protected (v12). When you pray, do you remember exactly who it is you are talking to?! Do you spend time remembering what you know to be true of Him. Sometimes our requests are answered in what we already know if we take time to recall the truth. David shows this as when he wrote this psalm he clearly needed assurance of God’s love, protection, mercy and righteousness, and the more he prayed and considered who God is, the more he realised that he already what he needs, he remembered that God blesses, protects and pours out favour on His children and so he realises that he needs to keep going the way God wants him to (v8). Sometimes we need the same, a reminder, a reassurance that God is really who He is. As you pray, remember who God is and what He wills from you as well as what He expects of you. I can guarantee that what He wants from you is far less than what He will give and already has given you. 

As you pray today, try to include the same things David did. God considered David, ‘a man after his own heart’ (1 Samuel 13:14) after all, so he is clearly a good example to follow if you want to be considered the same. Can you learnt o pray like David;

Speak honestly and from the heart

Make sacrifices

Wait

Tell God what is wrong 

Remember who God is

Ask God for His help and guidance

Remind yourself of His promises