A Theology of Prayer - Struggles in Prayer

Study 82

Text: Psalm 22

DEVELOPING A TRIUMPHANT SPIRIT

It is vital that we develop our spirit! Many devote much time, energy and money to the development and maintenance of their physical body! Unfortunately there isn't that kind of attention devoted to the development of a triumphant spirit.

MAY WE SPEAK OF HAVING A TRIUMPHANT SPIRIT AT ALL?

It is sometimes difficult to think that we can develop a triumphant spirit at all! We see defeats. We see problems. Wherein is the triumph? Let us be encouraged my pondering over the following text!

"The poor shall eat and be satisfied;
Those who seek Him will praise the LORD,
Let your heart live forever!
All the ends of the world
Shall remember and turn to the LORD.
And all the families of the nations
Shall worship before You.
For the kingdom is the LORD's
And He rules over the nations."
Psalm 22:26-28

1. A powerful truth to bear in mind

We have a great and powerful truth that we must ever seek to bear in mind!
"The kingdom is the LORD's
and He rules over the nations."
Psalm 22:28

a) Feed the spirit with this thought
Our spirit needs food. Where there is food there is also potential strength! We have great food for thought here! The kingdom (of the entire universe) belongs to the LORD!

b) Let strength come to our spirit
Take time to dwell on the significance of the Lord as One who rules over all the nations! Doesn't this thought bring strength to our spirit?

2. Special encouragement for the poor

This text has a special word of encouragement to "the poor" especially those who "seek Him." God will provide for all needs! "The poor will eat and be satisfied…" is a phrase that should bring great encouragement to the spirit of the poor!

3. From a sorrowful beginning to a glorious End

Psalm 22 began on a note of sorrow. Many were the battles that were faced and fought. However the psalm ended on a great note of triumph! The psalmist looked forward to the day when the whole world, indeed "all the families of the nations" would worship at the feet of the LORD!

~ Pastor Charlie Tan ~