A Theology of Prayer - Struggles in Prayer

Study 24

Text: Psalm 7

APPEAL FOR JUSTICE TO BE UPHELD

Making sure that he could not be faulted for personal iniquities, David went on to plead with the Lord for justice to be upheld. His appeal is fascinatingly structured.

"Arise, O Lord, in Your anger;
Lift Yourself up because of the rage of my enemies;
Rise up for me to the judgment You have commanded!
So the congregation of the peoples shall surround You;
For their sakes, therefore return on high."
Psalm 7:6-7

1. An appeal in the name of Divine anger

David had felt the anger of his enemies. He knew that their anger was unrighteous as it was wicked. He then turned to God and asked Him to arise in His anger! Of course there is a distinction between human and Divine anger! The latter is pure and righteous altogether!
What is the significance of appealing to Divine anger? David felt that God must be angry at the wicked and the unrighteous for the way they persecute the innocent, in this case, David! He knew God well enough to appreciate that he could indeed appeal to God to rise up in righteous anger against the wicked.

The anger of God is not something that anybody can stoke up easily. The mere appeal to divine anger would not necessarily have the desired results! Nevertheless, an important insight is given in this text! There is such a thing as Divine anger against unrighteousness and wickedness! In the battle against evil, we may plead with the Lord for Divine anger to be aroused against the wicked!

2. According to Divine Justice

David's appeal to Divine anger is based on his understanding of the judgments of God. It is vital to note this! All pleas made to God must be in accordance to Divine Judgments.

How may we know what Divine Judgment is like? Thank God for the Scriptures! In them, we would have all the material we need to form a good understanding of what divine judgment is and how it works. David was making an appeal to God based on his comprehension of how He worked!

3. For the sake of God's elect people

David went on to make another appeal! He knew that God loved His people. Did He not make a covenant with His people where He promised that He would be their Lord God? In that covenant, He had promised to protect His own from people who would harm them (Cf. Psalm 105:11-15)!

David and all the righteous in Israel looked up to the Lord in faith and in expectation of His divine justice and protection! Surely, God would hear this special plea for divine justice to be upheld! It wasn't just about David! God's people were involved as well! Those who loved David their king, and those who loved righteousness and justice were all looking up to the Lord for His justice! Surely, God would hear and respond!

~ Pastor Charlie Tan ~