A Theology of Prayer - Struggles in Prayer

Study 41

Text: Psalm 12

GOD DOES HEAR AND ANSWER PRAYER

As David cried out to the Lord in prayer, and as he brought before Him the problem of the arrogance of evil, an answer came. How reassuring that answer was.

"'For the oppression of the poor,
For the sighing of the needy,
Now will I arise,' says the Lord;
'I will set him in the safety for which he yearns.'"
Psalm 12:5

1. No need to feel helpless

There may be times when the beleaguered and hapless oppressed poor may feel that no one would come to their aid, not even God. There is no need to feel such a sense of overwhelming despair!

2. God will arise for the poor and needy

This was a precious word of hope indeed. The Lord does not elaborate on when and how He would come to the rescue of the oppressed, but there was assurance that He cared for them.

3. The Oppression of the poor, the sighing of the needy…"

God is not unmoved by the pitiful state of affairs of the poor and needy. Their sigh were felt by the Lord. He would arise and help them.

4. "The safety for which he yearns"

Deep down, the poor and needy long for safety, not wealth. They do not envy the rich. They just want to feel "safe."

DRAWING MUCH ENCOURAGEMENT FROM GOD'S WORD

The psalmist had not prayed in vain. His cry for help had been met with a good word from the Lord. Encouraged, he poured forth a prayer of appreciation for God's Word.

"The words of the Lord are pure words,
Like silver tried in the furnace of earth,
Purified seven times.
You shall keep them, O Lord,
You shall preserve them from this generation for ever"
Psalm 12:6-7

We can draw much strength and encouragement as we meditate on the significance of the following truths:-

1. Believing that God would keep His own words

2. Believing that God would preserve His pure words for ever!

~ Pastor Charlie Tan ~