Prayer Under Pressure

Just think what the Lord is teaching us about prayer in last Sunday’s memory verse:  But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord.  At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness (Psalm 69:13). This verse is jam-packed with practical truth.

The first thing to notice is that David speaks these words in a time of turmoil:  enemies attacking; God seems remote; feels like he’s sinking in quicksand.  I don’t know about you, but when a flood of trouble hits me, I feel tempted to rush ahead in my own strength and with my own impulsive ideas.  In the midst of chaos it’s easy to just act—or react.  But God’s Word says be still and pray:  prayer first.

David’s phrase, “But as for me,” suggests that others may not think the same way he does.  Others may be lashing out at adversaries, or curling up in a fetal position; others may even act is if God didn’t care or doesn’t exist.  But never mind their outlook:  what about you?  Have you resolved that, when affliction strikes, you’ll turn toward God and not away from him?  Have you taken to heart the truth that in all things God is at work for our good (Rom. 8:28)?

“At an acceptable time” is David’s way of saying, “Lord, as I cry out to you with my petition—my longing, my heartfelt request—I leave it to your wisdom, as my Heavenly Father, to answer when you see fit.”  The implication, of course, is that the Great Physician sometimes prescribes waiting; learning to trust God over time is very good spiritual medicine for restless, impatient people like me!

“In the abundance of your steadfast love”:  prayer seeks God’s pro­vision that’s rooted in his love.  And that love is “steadfast,” not shaky or iffy or wobbly.  In a world where the love from other people can disappoint us, God’s love is steady and true!  And as the per­fect Parent, the Lord knows when to apply “tough love” to his children—when to give us what we really need rather than what we want.

“In your saving faithfulness”—this is yet another way to underscore the dependability of God, the promise-keeping character of our good, good Father!  Great is Thy faithfulness! Even as we go through storms, and floods, he is with us, and will never forsake us!