Eleventh Bible Study: Hear My Prayer

 Today’s lesson comes from Psalm 143: 1-12. There are many passages in the psalms in which the author entreats God to deliver him from his enemies. At the first reading, it may appear that the psalmist is vindictive, revengeful. A careful reading of the passage often reveals that the psalmist is asking for the rectification of evil so that God’s name may be glorified. The psalmist is not praying out of personal animosity, but from a jealousy for God’s glory. 

In the psalm we study today, the “enemy” cannot be ascertained to be any particular person. The pressures David faced are primarily emotional and spiritual. He certainly was under a spiritual onslaught. The real enemies of the believer are the forces of evil.

The first section is “A Passionate Petition.” vv. 1, 2 The basis for David’s making his petition was God’s faithfulness, God’s righteousness, and the fact that He was God’s servant. Our prayers are most effective when they are based upon the character of God. In verse 1, it was God’s righteousness that made the promise, but it was His faithfulness that will keep the promise. David was certain God made the promise, thus he would not let doubt creep in. Thus, it was the very nature of God that was the foundation of David’s confidence. 

God was not only faithful, He was also righteous. God’s righteousness is tempered by His mercy. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1: 9) God’s plan of salvation is established by His holy love. Thus, David could pray in verse 2, “Enter not into judgment with thy servant.” David didn’t want justice he wanted mercy. I meet many “Christians” that want mercy for themselves but justice for others. At best they are carnal, at worst they are unsaved pretenders that need to repent and seek God’s forgiveness. All mankind is under sin until forgiveness is sought through the blood of Jesus Christ by faith. All mankind was lost in sin, and God’s righteous holiness requires the punishment of evil. So God sent His Son to be the Redeemer of all men, and “the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6) It is through the blood of Christ that we can be acceptable in the sight of God. “David, before he prays for the removal of trouble, prays for the pardon of his sin, and depends upon mere mercy for it.” (Matthew Henry)

The second section is “A Forlorn Condition.” (vv. 3-6) Satan never “plays fair.” He waits until the circumstances of life are adverse and at their lowest. David’s condition was deplorable: fleeing for his life, having very little human encouragement, hiding in caves and forests. You may find in David’s words a parallel to what you have experienced spiritually in your conflict with the enemy of your soul. Just like David, we engage in spiritual warfare, many times mostly in our minds and thought life. Actions begin with thoughts, unless they are instinctual. If you touch a hot burner you don’t think about removing your hand! You just do it. However, spiritual difficulties in life generally involve your mind. That is why we must fill our minds with the Word of God. 

David was not a stoic, he felt pain and anguish. Verses 3, 4, use the following words: persecuted, smitten, darkness, overwhelmed and desolate. David’s response was not a pity party. Instead, in verses 5 and 6, the following words are used: remember, meditate, muse, stretch, and thirsteth. David knew where to go in times of trouble. He would remember God’s faithfulness. He would meditate and muse on His faithfulness.  With a fresh focus on God, David’s faith was strengthened and he stretches forth his hands in prayer. David knew God’s “phone number!”

The third section is “Believing Supplication.” vv. 7-12 The last six verses of the lesson are filled with David’s requests. Each verse, except verse nine, contains two requests (eleven requests in all). To most of the petitions is coupled a reason. David closes the psalm with the same words which he penned in verse two: “I am thy servant.” This is an expression of utter dependence on and submission to God. 

Verse seven: David sends up an urgent S.O.S. “Hear me speedily, O LORD, my spirit faileth.” Then, he says, “hide not thy face....” The reason: I will be like those who go down to the pit.

Verse eight: “Cause me....” David wants to hear God’s loving kindness and know how to walk. The reason: because he lifts his soul to God.

Verse nine: “Deliver me....” The reason: David runs to God for protection.

Verse ten: “Teach me...lead me.” The reason: Because you are my God and thy spirit is good.

Verse eleven: “Quicken me (make me alive)...bring my soul out of trouble.” The reason: Do so because of Your name’s sake and because You are righteous. 

Verse twelve: “cut off mine enemies, and destroy them....” The reason: “I am your servant.” God will never forsake His own.

My summary points: 

1. Remembering God’s faithfulness and righteousness will increase your faith and remove doubt.

2. No matter how desperate your circumstances, God is able to deliver you.

3. Give God a reason to answer you.

The Golden Text: “I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4) David found that God was a prayer answering God. Have you discovered this fact? When we remember His faithfulness and draw close to Him, He will never let you down. Le us commit in the challenging times ahead, to look to God as our Source and not man. Like David, we will see our prayers answered.

Next week: “Emmanuel—God With Us.” (Matthew 1: 18-25)

Don’t forget to read the Sunday School Beacon for inspiration and encouragement.