A Theology of Prayer - Struggles in Prayer

Study 29

Text: Psalm 9

KEEPING A HEALTHY AND STRONG PERSPECTIVE

It is vital that we keep a very strong perspective when we are engaged in spiritual battle. It is altogether too easy to succumb to feelings of discouragement and despair. Evil will do its utmost to get the strongest prayer warrior down! How may we keep a strong and healthy perspective all the time? Let us consider this word of advice.

"I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart;
I will tell of all Your marvelous works;
I will be glad and rejoice in You;
I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High."
Psalm 9:1-2

At first glance, it would appear that this is a psalm of praise. However, on careful reading of Psalm 9, we begin to appreciate that the psalmist David was confronted with wicked enemies.

"When my enemies are turned back;
They shall fall and perish at Your presence."
Psalm 9:3

How then should we understand how we may apply the strong note of praise at the beginning of the psalm? Let us consider the following thoughts:-

1. The Challenge to Keep Focused on the Lord

This is the most obvious challenge! One need not cringe in the face of any enemy! When one is well focused on the Lord, the heart will be able to find a song of praise.

2. The Challenge to Be Glad in the Lord

When a person truly knows the Lord, he cannot help but be glad in his heart! The Lord will himself create a spirit of joy within the heart of the true believer! This glad spirit is meant to be a permanent one! The believer is challenged to practise being glad in the Lord!

3. The Challenge to Vocalise Heartfelt feelings into songs of praise

It is one thing to feel joy in the heart. It is quite another to give expression to those gladsome feelings! The challenge that David gave was for the believer to sing the praise of the Lord's Holy Name.

A HEART THAT SINGS

There is every reason for the heart to sing, even in the darkest of nights! This approach to faith and life, if adopted would put the believer into a very strong position when he is engaged in a titanic spiritual battle.

The spirit that has learned the power that joy can bring to the heart will never need to fear feelings of sadness and depression. There are many things in life that threaten to rob us of our joy and strength in the Lord! Let us repel all these attacks that can cause spiritual depression. Let us be deeply challenged to learn how we may sustain a joyful spirit in the midst of the toughest circumstances!

~ Pastor Charlie Tan ~