A Theology of Prayer - Struggles in Prayer

Study 11

Text: Psalm 4

MUCH NEEDED REST AND PEACE OF HEART

SIMILARITIES

There are a number of similarities between Psalm 3 and Psalm 4. These similarities may well suggest that he wrote either in the same or similar context. In any case, David was battling the problem of evil.
Let us consider the following similarities.

1. Authorship and superscriptions

Both psalms were written by David. The only difference is the superscription. It was found in Psalm 3 but not in Psalm 4. The superscription was added on and so that does not tell us very much about how they were connected.

2. Content

The contents of both psalms ought to be compared. When they are carefully compared we will see a number of similarities.

a) Distress

"Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
You have relieved me in my distress.
Have mercy on me and hear my prayer"
Psalm 4:1

b) Enemies

"How long, O you sons of men,
Will you turn my glory into shame?
How long will you love worthlessness and seek falsehood?"
Psalm 4:2

c) Peace and Sleep

"I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."
Psalm 4:8

STRUGGLES IN PRAYER

There were times when prayer was pure joy. There were other times when there were struggles! Psalm 3 and Psalm 4 saw David struggling much in prayer! The "distress" in his life must have been great indeed. Being forced to run for his life… and the enemy was his own son… that would constitute "distress" indeed!

DRAWING ENCOURAGEMENT

David struggled to bring his faith out into the forefront! This was one battle he did not want to lose. To battle despair, he drew encouragement from one thought- that God had come to his rescue in times past. Thus he wrote, "You have relieved me in my distress" (Psalm 4:1). Let us learn how to pray with a great sense of encouragement! The Lord has heard many of our prayers in the past! He will yet hear us! Let us pray with greatly encouraged hearts!

~ Pastor Charlie Tan ~