PSALM 20

1 To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble; May the name of the God of Jacob defend you; 2 May He send you help from the sanctuary, And strengthen you out of Zion; 3 May He remember all your offerings, And accept your burnt sacrifice. Selah 4 May He grant you according to your heart’s [desire], And fulfill all your purpose. 5 We will rejoice in your salvation, And in the name of our God we will set up [our] banners! May the LORD fulfill all your petitions. 6 Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven With the saving strength of His right hand. 7 Some [trust] in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the LORD our God. 8 They have bowed down and fallen; But we have risen and stand upright. 9 Save, LORD! May the King answer us when we call.

PSALM 20:1-9, NKJV

PRAYING FOR OTHERS IN THEIR AFFLICTION

Have you ever wondered how to pray for someone who was facing adversity or was in the mist of suffering affliction? I think we have our answer with this Psalm. As I read it this morning it just formed such a beautiful prayer in my heart for those I know who are facing challenging circumstances and situations.

I couldn’t help but think about Judges chapter four, where God fights for Israel by sending a thunderstorm to soften the ground and bog down Sisera’s chariots. The enemy was trusting in chariots, but the chariots were no match for God. We see His sovereignty all through that story. Sending a thunderstorm. Moving a family into the “middle of no where” so a simple housewife can dispatch a tent peg through Sisera’s skull. On the outside, all of it was impossible, but when the Lord’s people stepped out on faith, He delivered them.

So as I pray for friends who are facing life’s challenges and as I face a few of my own, I can’t help but sense the renewal of my faith in the Lord. When we step out in faith, He is there. He answers and He provides for our needs in ways that we might not expect. We can’t plan it any better than the God of Heaven. We may walk with Him through some dark places (The valley of the shadow of death?) but He will watch over us and protect us to the point that we are able to eat in from of our enemies (He prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies). Yes! Our God is able!

PRAYER

Father, let our hearts overflow with ceaseless praise today! You are the true King! Governors and Governments may fail, but you never fail. We delight in your salvation. We delight in deliverance from sin, but also in the salvation from the adversity we face in this life. We pray that our lives would fulfill the purpose that you have in them. We thank you that you hear our prayers in the mist of our affliction. Give us great faith so as not to trust in horses or chariots, but for our confidence to be in you alone! You are the God of our deliverance and salvation! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I’m reading and blogging the Psalms Through The Summer. I’d love for you to join me. You can find out a little more here.