A Theology of Prayer - Struggles in Prayer

Study 90

Text: Psalm 25

DEFINITE MOVEMENTS SEEN

We may note some very definite movements as look at Psalm 25 closely. Movements are interesting to note because they reflect the thinking of the author.

1. We begin with David humbly confessing his sins before the Lord (Psalm 25:6-7, 11)

2. We go on to read about how David was assured that God would teach repentant sinners His ways (Psalm 25:8-10

3. We have further movement when David now focused on the subject of fearing the Lord

THOSE WHO FEAR THE LORD

David’s movement towards the fear of the Lord is right! In the battle against evil and sin, the path towards victory is to be found in “the fear of the Lord.”

“Who is the man who fears the LORD?
Him shall He teach in the way He chooses.
He himself shall dwell in prosperity
And his descendants shall inherit the earth.
The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him,
And He will show them His covenant.”
Psalm 25:12-14

1. “Who is the man who fears the LORD?

The theme, “the fear of the Lord” is well-developed in the Scriptures! The conclusion of the book of Ecclesiastes makes the fear of the Lord as the key and central obligation of man.

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:
Fear God and keep His commandments.
For this is man’s all.”
Ecclesiastes 12:13

2. “The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him”

He who has been forgiven of much will not only love much, but he will learn how to fear God well! What is God’s response to the person who fears Him? He will show him deep and precious things that would be to others only “a secret.”

3. “He himself shall dwell in prosperity, and his descendants shall inherit the earth”

How would a man know that he has been forgiven and that he now has approval from the Lord? One of the clearest ways is for the Lord to shower His blessings upon the individual. He will indeed “inherit the earth.” The blessings will extend to the next generation!

What a challenge it is to forsake the way of sin and to cultivate the fear of the Lord instead. The battle against sin is not won till people truly fear the Lord!

~ Pastor Charlie Tan ~