A Theology of Prayer - Struggles in Prayer

Study 16

Text: Psalm 5

ON A SPIRITUAL WAR FOOTING

The battle against evil may be likened to WAR. When a country is at war, each day, every day, there has to be a consciousness that the enemies may launch a fierce attack against the city. Spiritual warfare is often not taken too seriously. But war is war, whether in the physical or spiritual realm!

BEGINNING EACH DAY WITH GOD

How should a day begin? The psalmist David gives us an excellent example in the following text.

"Give ear to my words, O Lord,
Consider my meditation.
Give heed to the voice of my cry,
My King and my God, for to You I will pray.
My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord,
In the morning I will direct it to You
And I will look up."
Psalm 5:1-3

The significance of these words is obvious. The psalmist determined within his heart that he would cry out to the Lord each morning. Each new day would see him cry out to the Lord his king and his God.

AN IMPORTANT CONTEXT TO BEAR IN MIND

The words of the psalmist take on even greater significance when we consider the following words he wrote. The following text gives the context and explains to us why he determined that he would practise beginning each day in prayer.

"For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness,
Nor shall evil dwell with You.
The boastful shall not stand in Your sight,
You hate all workers of iniquity.
You shall destroy those who speak falsehood;
The Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful men."
Psalm 5:4-6

If we were to read further Psalm 5, the context becomes even clearer.

"Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness
Because of my enemies.
Make Your way straight before my face."
Psalm 5:8

Evil was always present. This was David's understanding as he observed life. The wicked would never cease to be a threat to the godly! How should the godly live well if he does not begin each day conscious of his need for the Lord. Let us seek to cultivate an even more acute comprehension of our need for the Lord in our life! Evil exists in many forms, and unless we are on guard diligently, we can fall prey to the designs of wicked people. Let us determine to begin each day in prayer!

~ Pastor Charlie Tan ~