A Theology of Prayer - Struggles in Prayer

Study 84

Text: Psalm 25

A MOST INSTRUCTIVE PSALM

We begin our study of a new psalm in the series “Struggles in Prayer.” Psalm 25 is highly instructive. The psalmist is most honest and candid as he opens up to God the weak areas of his life.

VITAL TO BE BRUTALLY HONEST

Many of us fear to be totally honest with our weaknesses. We tend to gloss over areas of our life that badly need attention! We do so to our own detriment. We need to learn how to be brutally honest with ourselves and with God if we seek to make any significant progress in the development of our faith.

CONSCIOUSNESS OF ENEMIES IN LIFE

The context of Psalm 25 involves the acknowledgment of enemies who would like nothing better than to see our downfall. The psalmist David mentioned his enemies three times in this psalm. Aware of his enemies, he cried out to the Lord in humble prayer,

“Let not my enemies triumph over me…”
Psalm 25:2c

Let those be ashamed who deal treacherously without cause…”
Psalm 25:3b

“Consider my enemies, for they are many;
And they hate me with cruel hatred”
Psalm 25:19

David ’s view of his enemies is highly instructive! If we desire to triumph over our enemies, we must first have a correct view of them.

1. Enemies will seek to triumph over us

The goal of the enemy is well understood. His purpose is not just to be a source of irritation but conquest!

2. Enemies can be most treacherous

How important it is that we have this understanding in full consciousness! Enemies can be deadly and they will triumph over us by using treachery!

3. Enemies can be numerous

David knew that it was difficult to know just how many enemies he had. He deemed it wise to say that he had “numerous enemies.” It was far wiser to have this fact in mind.

4. Enemies can be filled with cruel hatred

Enemies are not gentlemen-fighters. They can be filled with “cruel-hatred.” This view of enemies made David even more conscious of how he must find that instruction from the Lord so that he would not be defeated by his enemies!

~ Pastor Charlie Tan ~