For the choir director. A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me and heard my cry. He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm (Psalms 40:1-2 NAS95).
Tribulations and trials are part the Christian walk. Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33b NKJV). However, with trouble comes temptation.
Believers often seek comfort from friends and other believers by asking for prayer. However, those prayer requests, on occasion, sound like complaints. This is not said to condemn anyone or make anyone feel ashamed. Who hasn’t complained about their situation at one time or another? Everyone is tempted to do just that. It is part of our sinful nature.
On the other hand, Jesus prayed, Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me, but He immediately followed those words with, yet not My will, but Yours be done (Luke 22:42). Jesus let the Father know His distress, but did not demand His own will.
Maybe an example will help illustrate how believer’s could pray like Jesus. Instead of praying, “Lord please remove this terrible pain.” Someone could pray, “Lord if it is your will please remove this terrible pain, but if not your will, give me patience to endure this to your glory.”
David goes on, “How blessed is the man who has made the LORD his trust, And has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood” (Psalms 40:4 NAS95). Not wanting to take liberty with this text, but might one consider the proud and those who lapse in falsehood, anyone other than Christ?
The point is, David put his trust in God and waited for Him to rescue. He waited patiently. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7 NAS95).
There is nothing wrong in asking for prayer. It is commended. However, don’t forget it seek the Lord yourself. Only He can lift you out of that pit and put your feet on solid rock.
Comments
Post a Comment