Psalm 41 (NIV)
This psalm is a great lesson in how to pray through difficult times.
In this Psalm, we find David sick and his enemies circling like vultures waiting for him to die. Not the nicest place to be!
1. Promises - The first thing David does is remind himself of God’s promises.
When we pray, this has got to be our starting point. Reminding ourselves of God’s promises stirs faith. More importantly, it gets our focus OFF our problems and onto our faithful, promise-keeping God.
2. Petition - David then asks for God’s mercy. He wants to be healed. In his petition he acknowledges that he has sinned against God. (v4)
God loves to be merciful. And if that is what we need then let us not be shy to ask, or slow to repent. It is only arrogance that prevents us from accepting our weakness and asking for divine intervention.
This psalm is a great lesson in how to pray through difficult times.
In this Psalm, we find David sick and his enemies circling like vultures waiting for him to die. Not the nicest place to be!
1. Promises - The first thing David does is remind himself of God’s promises.
a. The Lord delivers (v1)
b. The Lord protects (v2)
c. The Lord preserves (v2)
d. The Lord sustains (v3)
e. The Lord restores (v3)
When we pray, this has got to be our starting point. Reminding ourselves of God’s promises stirs faith. More importantly, it gets our focus OFF our problems and onto our faithful, promise-keeping God.
2. Petition - David then asks for God’s mercy. He wants to be healed. In his petition he acknowledges that he has sinned against God. (v4)
God loves to be merciful. And if that is what we need then let us not be shy to ask, or slow to repent. It is only arrogance that prevents us from accepting our weakness and asking for divine intervention.
3. Problem - He then goes on to explain to God what the problem is. (v5-9)
It is not that God was too busy to notice. Should your child come to you and say,"Please give me ibuprofen," I think you might be keen to hear from the child what the problem is and why they want ibuprofen. It would be an unconcerned father that just dishes out the medicine like candy.
God is very much interested in what is troubling you. And He isn't fooled by prayers where the mouth speaks one thing while the heart cries another. So be completely honest and tell Him. It is a sign of a good Father-child relationship.
4. Petition - Having explained the problem, once again David repeats his petition for God’s mercy (v10).
It is almost as if David concludes with, "So as I was saying... I really need you to do this for me, please."
5. Praise - Even as he lies on his sick bed staring up the vultures circling, David is still able to recognise God’s goodness
David finishes by once again focusing on God and His current and ongoing goodness towards David.
It is essential that we end our times in praise and thanksgiving for all the wonderful things that God has done and is doing for us. This is particularly vital through the trying times. The praise of a broken heart is the sweetest of all songs.
The next time you face a really trying time (or at any time!), use this psalm as a framework for when you come before God.
Remind yourself of His promises, tell him what you want, tell Him your problems, ask again for help and then praise Him for His goodness. You will be amazed at how your spirit will be lifted and you will find yourself strengthened - and that's even before God answers!
It is not that God was too busy to notice. Should your child come to you and say,"Please give me ibuprofen," I think you might be keen to hear from the child what the problem is and why they want ibuprofen. It would be an unconcerned father that just dishes out the medicine like candy.
God is very much interested in what is troubling you. And He isn't fooled by prayers where the mouth speaks one thing while the heart cries another. So be completely honest and tell Him. It is a sign of a good Father-child relationship.
4. Petition - Having explained the problem, once again David repeats his petition for God’s mercy (v10).
It is almost as if David concludes with, "So as I was saying... I really need you to do this for me, please."
5. Praise - Even as he lies on his sick bed staring up the vultures circling, David is still able to recognise God’s goodness
a. I know that you are pleased with me (v11)
b. My enemy does not triumph over me (v11)
c. You uphold me (v12)
d. You set me in your presence forever (v12)
e. Praise be to the Lord (v13)
David finishes by once again focusing on God and His current and ongoing goodness towards David.
It is essential that we end our times in praise and thanksgiving for all the wonderful things that God has done and is doing for us. This is particularly vital through the trying times. The praise of a broken heart is the sweetest of all songs.
The next time you face a really trying time (or at any time!), use this psalm as a framework for when you come before God.
Remind yourself of His promises, tell him what you want, tell Him your problems, ask again for help and then praise Him for His goodness. You will be amazed at how your spirit will be lifted and you will find yourself strengthened - and that's even before God answers!
That's fantastic Pete - really helpful. We just read through it together in our house, and that's a great way to start the day - looking at how we pray. Thanks for spending time writing this!
ReplyDeleteJames D
Glad it helped James. It challenged me too.
ReplyDeleteGreat, so precise and impactful
ReplyDelete