A Theology of Prayer - Struggles in Prayer

Study 55

Text: Psalm 18

OVERCOMING DISTRESSFUL MOMENTS

David had not always felt triumphant! There were times when he felt low and despondent. He recalled those moments in the following text.

"The pangs of death surrounded me,
And the floods of ungodliness made me afraid.
The sorrows of Sheol surrounded me;
The snares of death confronted me."
Psalm 18:4-5

1. "The pangs of death surrounded me"

David could well be at death's door at that point of time! How terrifying that dark moment must have been! He felt surrounded! It was a painful time indeed!

2. "The floods of ungodliness made me afraid"

Ungodliness was described as "floods." Wave after wave of ungodliness unleashed its power against David, hoping to wash him down from his position of strength! There were times when even courageous David felt "afraid."

3. "The sorrows of Sheol surrounded me."

The word "Sheol" is a word that is associated with "death" and "the grave." One can imagine how David must have been tormented by feelings of sadness that threatened to overwhelm him. Thoughts of death can be very depressing.

4. "The snares of death confronted me"

David felt trapped! If he was claustrophobic, David would have suffered terrible anxiety attacks! It seemed as if he was hemmed in from all sides!

CALLING OUT TO THE LORD IN MOMENTS OF DISTRESS

How David must have been so glad that he had cultivated a strong relationship with the Lord, much of his life! He did what came naturally to him. He cried out to the Lord in desperate prayer.

"In my distress I called upon the Lord,
And cried out to my God;
He heard my voice from His temple,
And my cry came before him, even to His ears."
Psalm 18:6

1. "In my distress I called upon the Lord"

Feelings of despair may be dreadful, but faith in the Lord must prevail! Faith teaches the soul to cry out to the Lord in prayer!

2. "He heard my voice from His temple,

And my cry came before Him, even to His ears…"
David took delight and found fresh courage in the knowledge that his prayers had not been uttered in vain! God had heard his prayers! That thought alone lifted up his soul!

~ Pastor Charlie Tan ~