A Theology of Prayer - Struggles in Prayer

Study 60

Text: Psalm 18

VITAL KNOWLEDGE ABOUT GOD

How important it is to have a sound knowledge of God! Without that knowledge despair can overwhelm a person, especially when one is battling evil! David had vital knowledge of God that brought wonderful encouragement to his heart. What was that vital knowledge? It has to do with the way God responds to people!

"With the merciful You will show Yourself merciful;
With the blameless man You will show Yourself blameless:
With the pure You will show Yourself pure;
And with the devious You will show yourself shrewd.
For You will save the humble people,
But will bring down the haughty people."
Psalm 18:25-27

1. Reciprocal Principle

David was not so much describing the Character of God, as he was attempting to expound on how God works! The reciprocal principle well summarizes the way God responds to man!

2. Divine Justice

This principle of how God works well illustrates "divine justice." In the battle against evil, great encouragement is needed! The heart is strengthened wonderfully when it trusts in this divine principle! Evil cannot ever win the day! God will triumph over evil!

VITAL ENCOURAGEMENT TO THE HEART

As David meditated on this knowledge of God, he drew much needed encouragement for his spirit. With wonderful joy he wrote the following words.

"For You will light my lamp;
The LORD my God will enlighten my darkness,
For by You I can run against a troop,
By my God, I can leap over a wall."
Psalm 18:28-29

1. Light amidst deep darkness

Evil may indeed be described as "darkness." To the trusting, righteous believer, God will grant "light."

2. Strength for combat

David knew that the battle against evil must be fought on the human level. God would provide all the back-up he would need. However, he must be personally involved in this great spiritual warfare.

RENEWED STRENGTH IN THE BATTLE AGAINST EVIL

As food is vital for soldiers in physical battle, so knowledge of God is essential for all involved in spiritual warfare. Renewed strength comes through feeding on God's Word! May time be set aside to read and meditate on God's Word always!

~ Pastor Charlie Tan ~