A Theology of Prayer - Struggles in Prayer

Study 94

Text: Psalm 25

A CONFIRMED TRUST IN THE LORD

Many recognize the importance of trust in the Lord! Few however know how to have a confirmed trust in Him. Let us learn vital lessons about how we may have a truly deep trust in God.

“Keep my soul, and deliver me;
Let me not be ashamed, for I put my trust in You.
Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for You.
Redeem Israel, O God,
Out of all their troubles.”
Psalm 25:20-22

1. Declaration of Trust

There must of course be that out-loud “declaration of trust” in the Lord! This was something that David did when he wrote, “I put my trust in You”

2. Depth of Trust

Just how deeply did David trust the Lord? David entrusted to God his very life. Thus he wrote, “Keep my soul.”

3. Deliverance expected

David believed that even as he cried out to the Lord, his prayers were not uttered in vain! He believed that God would indeed come to his rescue even as he cried out, “Deliver me!”

FUNDAMENTAL ISSUES

David was right and blessed to have possessed the kind of faith he exhibited in his psalm. However, he knew that even if he had right beliefs, certain fundamental issues must be established.

1. The fundamental issue of “Integrity”

David must maintain integrity as a fundamental at all times! If he did not possess integrity, he could not expect much, even if he did make impassioned pleas to the Lord!

2. The fundamental issue of “Uprightness”

There was another issue that must also be established- that of “uprightness.” Unless David sought to maintain a life of uprightness, he could not expect great answers from the Lord!

A PRAYER FOR THE NATION

As David thought the woes of his life, his mind and heart went towards his nation Israel! Surely, the nation’s woes were far greater than his own!

What could he do for his beloved nation? He knew that Israel needed to be redeemed out of all its troubles too! The least he must do was to pray and intercede for Israel! How all must be challenged to pray for the troubled nations of the world!

~ Pastor Charlie Tan ~