A Theology of Prayer - Struggles in Prayer

Study 27

Text: Psalm 7

A BASIC KNOWLEDGE OF GOD

Knowledge of God will deepen our trust and confidence in Him. David was able to overcome his fears concerning his enemies because of his knowledge of the Lord.

"God is a just judge, And God is angry with the wicked every day."
Psalm 7:11

"God is a just Judge"
This was "common knowledge." But of course, God was a just judge! He has always been a Just Judge! How wonderful it is to have this knowledge of God!

"God is angry with the wicked every day"
This knowledge was not special and restricted! Even a mere cursory reading of the Scriptures would reveal this vital truth!

STANDING IN AWE BECAUSE OF A DEEPER KNOWLEDGE OF GOD

David went from a basic knowledge of God to display deep insights of what the Lord would do against the wicked.

"God is angry with the wicked,
If he does not turn back.
He will sharpen his sword;
He bends his bow and makes it ready.
He also prepares for Himself instruments of death;
He makes His arrows into fiery shaft."
Psalm 7:11b-13

"If he does not turn back…"

David qualified his statement concerning the plight of the wicked. If there is no repentance then would the Lord be really angry! In this text, David holds out hope for the wicked. There is still a chance that God could forgive! But there must be a forsaking of wicked ways. There must be a turning to the Lord for His forgiveness!

"He also prepares for Himself instruments of death…"

David's description of how God would deal with the wicked is most intriguing! As he pondered over how God would respond to the unrepentant wicked, he realized that He would actually wage war against them!

"He will sharpen His sword…"

The sword was an instrument of war! God was obviously not going to allow wickedness to reign unchallenged!

"He bends his bow and makes it ready…"

Bowstrings are usually loosened when the bow is not in use. The bending of the bow is a reference to preparing the bow for use in war time! How awesome a thought that God would wage war against the wicked!

~ Pastor Charlie Tan ~