A Theology of Prayer - Struggles in Prayer

Study 10

Text: Psalm 3; 2 Samuel 13-19

MUCH NEEDED REST AND PEACE OF HEART

The heart can be so troubled by the presence of evil that it is unable to rest. Wise and blessed is the person who employs his faith to good use, seeking God in heartfelt prayer. The Lord gives to His beloved much needed sleep and rest.

"I lay down and slept;
I awoke, for the Lord sustained me."
Psalm 3:5

David began the writing of his psalm on a note of disquiet. He was deeply troubled at the number of people that had risen up against him. However, as he poured out his heart to the Lord in trusting prayer, soon he found a great sense of peace. With that special blessing of peace, he found that he was able to lie down and find much-needed rest! Swiftly he acknowledged the Presence and Power of God with him. It was the Lord who made it possible for him to rest. It was the Lord who had sustained him!

RENEWED HOPE AND STRENGTH

God did more than just give peace to the mind and rest to the body. He gave to David renewed hope and strength to face the future!

"I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people
Who have set themselves against me all around."
Psalm 3:6

The fear that lurked in the deep recesses of his heart was banished! He found new strength and courage! What if there were indeed "ten thousands of people who had set themselves against him all around?" The Lord who had given me peace and rest would somehow enable him to defeat his enemies!

A NEW LEVEL OF CONFIDENCE

The closing thoughts of David were markedly different! Let us take note of the tremendous sense of triumph and confidence exhibited in the following text!

"Arise, O Lord,
Save me, O my God!
For You have struck all my enemies on the cheekbone.
You have broken the teeth of the ungodly.
Salvation belongs to the Lord.
Your blessing is upon Your people."
Psalm 3:7-8

1. The Wicked would be dealt with

God would not let evil triumph! The ungodly would discover to their horror that God had destroyed their power.

2. God would save and bless His people

The righteous need not fear the pretensions of the wicked! God would hear the cry of the righteous and save them from the clutches of the wicked. The Lord would also bless His people! What a tremendous level of confidence David now possessed!

~ Pastor Charlie Tan ~