A Theology of Prayer - Struggles in Prayer

Study 72

Text: Psalm 22

LEARNING HOW TO DRAW STRENGTH FROM THE LORD

If God chooses to be silent, how do we draw strength to cope with life's problems? The psalmist David shared how he learned to draw strength to cope with his problems in life.

"But You are holy,
Enthroned in the praises of Israel.
Our fathers trusted in You,
They trusted and You delivered them.
They cried to You and were delivered;
They trusted in You, and were not ashamed."
Psalm 22:3-5

Here are some lessons we do well to master!

1. Trust in the Character of God

Two things stood out particularly to David as he took time to mull over the silence of God!
a) The holiness of God
He knew for a fact that God was truly holy. Surely, His holiness would not cause Him to shut Himself away from the problems of His children? No, he must reject all the negative thoughts that threatened to overwhelm him! Instead he must dwell on the character of God to feed and strengthen his soul!

b) "The praises of Israel"

These could refer to a number of things. Let us consider some of them:-
i) The songs of praise that Israel had an abundance of
ii) The doctrines of Israel
iii) The testimonies of all who have known God

David must have drawn encouragement from all these sources! He must reject unbelief and choose knowledge and faith instead! In all that he had read, he must have come across many statements which offered praises to God!

2. Trust of ancient forefathers

David drew encouragement from the fact that his forebears were people who underwent many difficulties in their life. How did they cope?

a) Did they not pray?

b) Did they not trust?

c) Did God not deliver them from their difficulties?

How important it must be to learn deep lessons of what it means to Trust God!

~ Pastor Charlie Tan ~