A Theology of Prayer - Struggles in Prayer

Study 39

Text: Psalm 11

FIGHTING FEELINGS OF DESPAIR

One of the most difficult things to do when engaged in the battle against evil, is fight of feelings of despair. There seems to be so many reasons to despair. The psalmist David described a time when he felt a great sense of gloom.

"Help, Lord, for the godly man ceases!
For the faithful disappear from among the sons of men."
Psalm 12:1

1. "The godly man ceases"

What a frightening thought this must have been to David! How alone he and forlorn he must have felt, if what he said was not exaggeration!

2. "The faithful disappear from among the sons of men"

It would appear as if the number of faithful ("loyal and devoted") was dwindling all the time. The kingdom couldn't survive very long if this problem was not dealt with and arrested.

3. "Help, Lord"

The wisest thing to do would be to cry "Help, Lord." This was the course of action that David took without wasting any more time! God must raise up more godly people to stand in the gap and pray!

THE CONCERN ABOUT THE DWINDLING NUMBER OF GODLY PEOPLE

David's concern was well-placed. We should be deeply concerned about the dwindling number of godly people.

1. Recall the day when Abraham prayed for Sodom and Gomorrah

Abraham pleaded with the Lord to spare the twin cities of Sodom and Gomorrah if there were just TEN righteous people in them (Cf. Genesis 18). But both cities were destroyed because there were not even TEN righteous people in the cities!

2. Recall the day when God challenged Jeremiah to find ONE righteous person in Jerusalem

This famous chapter (Jeremiah 5) records a conversation God had with Jeremiah. The prophet took up the challenge and searched high and low, in the city of Jerusalem. He searched among the poor and the rich. He searched among the lowly and the great. But search as he might, he could not find ONE godly man.

RISING TO THE CHALLENGE OF CULTIVATING RIGHTEOUSNESS

Let us feel deeply rebuked if we are not counted among the righteous. Let us confess our sinfulness before the Lord. Let us be deeply challenged to cultivate righteousness in our life!

If ever the Lord were to look for TEN righteous men, may we be counted worthy to be numbered among them!

~ Pastor Charlie Tan ~