Readings for today: Psalms 56, 120, 140, 141, 142
The Psalms are known as “the prayer book of the Bible” and for good reason. They are the literal prayers of the people of Israel. People like David and Solomon and Asaph. They teach us how to pray when times are hard and tough. They teach us how to pray when we are anxious and afraid. They teach us how to pray when we are poor and powerless. They teach us how to pray when times are good. When victory is within our grasp. When life has taken an upward turn. Most of all, they direct us to God. They teach us how to cry out to God in times of need and how to praise God in times of blessing.
In this particular season of his life, David is on the run. He has yet to assume his rightful place on the throne. He’s even had to leave Israel and take refuge among the Philistines who are his mortal enemies. Think about that for a minute. David literally has made his name defeating Goliath and the Philistine armies over and over again but now it is safer for him to live among them than his own people! No wonder David cries out to God. You have probably noted that many of the Psalms provide a brief description at the beginning before the actual verses begin. It gives a bit of the context for that particular prayer. Two of today’s Psalms were written when David was held captive by the Philistines or hiding out in a cave. The others suggest he was also facing adversity, perhaps around the same time. The themes of these Psalms focus on protection, deliverance, and rescue from his enemies. Each of the Psalms is also a declaration of trust. A profession of faith. David prays in confidence, believing the Lord will hear and answer his prayers.
The Psalms invite us to pray similar prayers. They invite us to express similar emotions. They give us permission to come before the Lord authentically and honestly, without fear of judgment. At the same time, the Psalms challenge us to believe. They challenge us to trust God. They challenge us to walk with open hands before Him and be willing to submit our will to His own. Deliverance may come from an unexpected place. Rescue may come when we least expect it. God does protect us but not always in the way we would think or according to our timing. We have to be willing to let God be in charge. This is what sets David apart. His prayers declare His trust in the almighty, sovereign power and plan of God.
Readings for tomorrow: 1 Samuel 25-27, Psalms 17, 73