A Theology of Prayer - Struggles in Prayer

Study 20

Text: Psalm 5

GREAT CONFIDENCE IN THE LORD

The psalmist David expressed great confidence in the Lord even as he prayed. He believed that God would not remain passive and silent. He would surely respond- in His own time.

"But let all rejoice who put their trust in You;
Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them;
Let those also who love Your name be joyful in You.
For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous;
With favour You will surround him as with a shield."
Psalm 5:11-12

1. Confidence Expressed in Joy

No matter how many enemies there may be, no matter how wicked these foes may be, one's confidence in the Lord may not be robbed. And the confidence one can have in the Lord is fullness of joy!

2. Reasons for such confidence and joy

The psalmist David is absolutely sure that this confidence in the Lord is not misplaced. He is certain that the Lord would do a number of things for the righteous:-

a) The Lord would defend the righteous

The Lord loves the righteous. He is committed to their defence. If the Lord would defend them, why should there be a fear of the enemies? We are reminded of what David wrote in another psalm, how he would not be afraid, even if there were ten thousand people ranged against him (Psalm 3:6)

b) The Lord would bless the righteous

Would the Lord only defend the righteous and do nothing else for them? The Psalmist thinks not. He believes that the Lord would go one step further. He would bless the righteous. He reiterates what he wrote in other psalms concerning the fact that the Lord would bless the righteous. God would surely command His blessings to fall upon His people (Cf. Psalm 3:8).

c) The Lord would protect the righteous

Would the Lord not also protect the righteous? The psalmist believed with all his heart that the Lord would indeed protect the godly. He beautifully described the way the Lord would bless them. He would surround them with His favour. This was compared to a shield that the Lord employs to surround the righteous!

NO NEED TO FEEL DEFEATED IN THE STRUGGLE AGAINST EVIL

We must never allow ourselves to feel defeated or discouraged in the battle against evil. Let us draw much needed encouragement from the meditation of the Scriptures! Let us battle on with great courage and confidence in the Lord!

~ Pastor Charlie Tan ~