A Theology of Prayer - Struggles in Prayer

Study 15

Text: Psalm 4

OTHER THINGS THAT MUST BE CULTIVATED

Anger can lead to dreadful consequences. What else can and must be done to curb the problem of anger?

"Offer the sacrifices of righteousness,
And put your trust in the Lord."
Psalm 4:5

Let us consider two aspects that stood out to David most significantly. His theological comprehension is to be admired!

A. "Offer the sacrifices of righteousness"

What does this mean? David's theology of "sacrifice" was really quite deep. (The Apostle Paul reflected a similar concept in Romans 12:1-2).

1. The practice of bringing sacrifices to the Lord was well-known

a) It represented worship
b) It represented a strong desire to relate to the Lord
c) It represented an appeal to the Lord for His grace and help in life's trials

2. Not limited to the physical aspect of "sacrifice"

a) It would be a dreadful mistake to limit the concept of worship to the mere physical aspects
b) There must be more. There was more, as far as David was concerned. He was not abandoning the concept and practice of bringing physical offerings to the Lord.
c) What was even more needful was to present one's life… as a living sacrifice to the Lord! Only a life of righteousness would suffice!

B. "And put your trust in the Lord"

How easy it is to put trust in ourselves! But what is of most critical importance is to learn to out our trust in the Lord instead!

1. It means that we do not take the law into our own hands

How easy it is to be so incensed and carried away by a human sense of righteousness! Vigilantes can end up doing as much harm as the wicked!

2. It means that we exercise faith in God, believing that He would personally deal with the wicked

Deep down, many of us wish that God would act faster. Why would He not just wipe out the wicked? This line of thinking has to be replaced! Instead of vengeance in our mind, there must be a greater sense of trust in the Lord.

He will deal with the wicked… but in His own time, and in His own way! In the battle against evil, we need to cultivate these spiritual virtues! They are the best answer when dealing with the problem of evil in the world. We must fight evil employing spiritual weaponry, never human and secular ones!

~ Pastor Charlie Tan ~