A Theology of Prayer - Struggles in Prayer

Study 81

Text: Psalm 22

WE DO NOT BATTLE ALONE

How important it is for us to remember that we do not battle evil alone! That would be an impossible task! Sadly, many believers do not know how to appreciate what it means to be a community of believers! Let us appreciate afresh what it means for us to belong to each other, as children of God, as fellow soldiers in our battle against evil!

MUCH STRENGTH TO BE FOUND IN THE COMMUNITY OF FAITH

David had in mind the congregation of Israel as he wrote these words! He wrote with great wealth of appreciation the following words.
"My praise shall be of You in the great assembly;
I will pay my vows before those who fear Him."
Psalm 22:25

1. "The great assembly"

This is a beautiful way of describing those who were gathered together for worship! David was conscious of the fact that there was "a great assembly" of people who worshipped and served the same God!

2. "My praise shall be of You"

David could imagine the joy and thrill that many would feel when he shared about how God heard and answered his prayers! How all believers would draw great encouragement from each other through hearing uplifting testimonies!

3. "Those who fear Him"

This is another description of the community of faith! There were others who were like-minded! There were others who feared and loved the Lord as David did! Perhaps they needed encouragement in their personal battle against evil! How the faithful would be strengthened through meaningful times of worship and sharing!

4. "I will pay my vows"

How should we understand this phrase? Let us take time to ponder this text carefully:-

a) Vows were valid
God did allow the making of vows in the old days! Vows were to be taken in the name of the Lord! Vows were essentially promises made to the Lord!

b) Vows were to be honoured
Did David make special vows when he was embroiled in difficulties? And did God hear and answer his prayers? David determined that he would honour his vows before the great assembly of those who feared the Lord!
Through faithfully keeping his vows made to God, David would have taught a powerful lesson! He would have set a tremendous example for his people! How encouraged their hearts would be when their king kept his vows!

~ Pastor Charlie Tan ~