A Theology of Prayer - Struggles in Prayer

Study 58

Text: Psalm 18

AN IMPORTANT CONCEPT TO BEAR IN MIND

The psalmist David rejoiced in the deliverance of the Lord! He exulted in the way God displayed His power. However, in the midst of his joy, David wrote down an important concept in the following text.

"He also brought me out into a broad place;
He delivered me because He delighted in me.
The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness
According to the cleanness of my hands,
He has recompensed me."
Psalm 18:19-20

1. The deliverance of the Lord acknowledged

David found great pleasure in noting that the Lord delighted in him! Thus with great love God blessed him with full deliverance!

2. "According to my righteousness"

This was the truth-principle that David was most conscious of even as he took time to reflect on the Lord's blessings!

a) This is not a reference to "imputed righteousness"
The concept of "imputed righteousness" is with reference to our standing before God at all times! The salvation that the Lord has given to us includes this wonderful truth! We stand righteous before God, but only because of the righteousness of Christ imputed to us!

b) This is very much a reference to "personal righteousness"
David knew that God desired him to practise righteousness in his life. He would of course never be sinless or perfect before God! However, he must never cease to strive to live righteously before the Lord!
God delights in those who seek to order their lives aright. He will show the righteous His delight by giving to them deliverance!

3. "According to the cleanness of my hands"

This statement is another way of declaring "personal righteousness." The symbol of hands is well chosen. Hands perpetrate deeds! David's hands were "clean."

4. "He has recompensed me"

This is a great truth that must be pondered over carefully. This does not mean that grace and mercy were not exercised! Because we are sinners we will always be in need of God's grace and mercy!
The principle of "recompensing" is an awesome one! The burden of living righteously is placed on the believer squarely.

IN THE BATTLE AGAINST EVIL

We must ever seek to live righteously before God if we are to expect fullness of blessing! Let us never take God's grace and mercy for granted!

~ Pastor Charlie Tan ~