A Theology of Prayer - Struggles in Prayer

Study 61

Text: Psalm 18

SOURCE OF KNOWLEDGE OF GOD

In the battle against evil, the greater the knowledge of God, the mightier one becomes! The pursuit of knowledge of God must therefore rank highly! Some seek the knowledge of God through life's experience! But nothing yields better knowledge of the Lord than the Word of God.

"As for God, His way is perfect;
The Word of the LORD is proven;
He is a shield to all who trust Him."
Psalm 18:30

Experience is not to be disdained. Yet, every experience must be validated by the Word of God. Therein is great safety, for the Word of God, is a proven thing!

PERSONAL APPLICATION OF THE WORD OF GOD

The psalmist David learned early in life to apply the Word of truth in his life. And through years of careful and humble application of God's Word in life's circumstances, he found he could articulate these truths about God with great confidence.

"For who is God, except the LORD?
And who is a rock, except our God?
It is God who arms me with strength,
And makes my way perfect."
Psalm 18:31-32

Let us consider how David applied the Word of God in the context of his life.

1. "As for God, His way is perfect" - Psalm 18:30

This was a simple but profound truth David rejoiced in. But how does one apply this truth in life?

2. "It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect" - Psalm 18:32

David drew strength from his knowledge of God. As he noted God's involvement in his life, he could not but delight in the fact that God tended to apply His own Word in the life of His children!

If there was weakness, the Lord would supply that strength. If His children's ways were fare from perfect, He would do His utmost to straighten things out!

STANDING IN AWE OF THE LORD

As David pondered on his knowledge of the LORD, he could not but feel a deep sense of awe and wonder! Hence his exclamation of wonder and joy!

A RENEWED SENSE OF AWE

It is all too easy to lose our sense of awe of the Lord! We lose so much when we lose sight of how great and majestic God really is! Let us pray that the Lord would renew our sense of awe for Him! In the battle against evil, taking God for granted would see us discouraged and defeated before too long! Let us seek revival from the Lord!

~ Pastor Charlie Tan ~