Tag: King David

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Wisdom Prayer

Overcoming the Oppression of the Wicked!

Overcoming the Oppression of the Wicked!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who feel the oppression of the wicked. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The psalms characterize the reality of David’s world. Wicked people pursued him seeking his destruction. David looked to God for mercy.

Psalm 55:1-3 (ESV) gives us a glimpse of how oppressed David felt.

“Give ear to my prayer, O God,
and hide not yourself from my plea for mercy!
Attend to me, and answer me;
I am restless in my complaint and I moan,
because of the noise of the enemy,
because of the oppression of the wicked.
For they drop trouble upon me,
and in anger they bear a grudge against me.”

David never doubted God could answer his plea for mercy even when the circumstances looked bleak. He never lost sight of God’s ability to rescue him. Feeling oppressed? Seek God for his mercy. Hold fast to hope in the face of adversity.

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Wisdom Prayer

Saved From Bloodthirsty Men?

Saved From Bloodthirsty Men?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who need to be saved from bloodthirsty men. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Look at the latest news. The statistics are startling. Targeted or indiscriminate violence is having a devastating impact on communities. It also affects individuals.

Psalm 59:1-5 (ESV) is about David, the psalmist’s, request that he will be delivered from people sent to kill him.

“Deliver me from my enemies, O my God;
protect me from those who rise up against me;
deliver me from those who work evil,
and save me from bloodthirsty men.

For behold, they lie in wait for my life;
fierce men stir up strife against me.
For no transgression or sin of mine, O Lord,
for no fault of mine, they run and make ready.
Awake, come to meet me, and see!
You, Lord God of hosts, are God of Israel.
Rouse yourself to punish all the nations;
spare none of those who treacherously plot evil. Selah ”

Need saving from bloodthirsty men or women? If so, run to God for refuge. Ask him to intervene. Whatever the need. Pray.

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Wisdom Prayer

Psalm for a King?

Psalm for a King?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those whose heart overflows with a pleasing theme. In Jesus’ name, amen.

According to the notes in the English Standard Version of the Bible, Psalm 45 is written to honor a king the line of David.

The notes go on to say,
“Whether these words are to be sung by the congregation or by a choir, they are addressed to the king.”

The first words of Psalm 45:1-7 honor a man. By verses six and seven the words point to God.

“My heart overflows with a pleasing theme;
I address my verses to the king;
my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.

You are the most handsome of the sons of men;
grace is poured upon your lips;
therefore God has blessed you forever.
Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one,
in your splendor and majesty!

In your majesty ride out victoriously
for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness;
let your right hand teach you awesome deeds!
Your arrows are sharp
in the heart of the king’s enemies;
the peoples fall under you.

Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.
The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness;
you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness.
Therefore God, your God, has anointed you
with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.”

Imagine these words being sung by the congregation or a choir. Either way, God ultimately gets the glory. Does your heart overflow with a pleasing theme? If so, maybe you want to write your thoughts. If God is leading, take action.

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Wisdom Prayer

The Lord’s Law Is Perfect?

The Lord’s Law Is Perfect?

Dear Lord, I pray for the wisdom to recognize that the law of the Lord is perfect.

Notice what writers call the parallel structure of this section of God’s holy and inspired word. Several of the phrases start with the same word (i.e. The). David, the psalmist, helps us to understand how he regards the Lord’s law and the Lord himself when we read Psalm 19:7-11:

“The law of the Lord is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
making wise the simple;
the precepts of the Lord are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure,
enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the Lord is clean,
enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true,
and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.”

Take a moment and reflect on what David thinks of God’s laws and who he says God is. Do you have the same intense feelings? Why? Or why not? Does something need to change?

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Wisdom Prayer

Is He Your Rock, Fortress, and Deliverer?

Is He Your Rock, Fortress, and Deliverer?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who trust God to be their rock, fortress, and deliverer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The God of the Old Testament delivered his people from Egypt. God then led his people into the Promised Land. When King David’s God, the same God, saved him from Saul’s wrath, he wrote Psalm 18:1-3:

“I love you, O Lord, my strength.
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,
and I am saved from my enemies.”

God had power far beyond what we could ask for or expect. Let us take time to praise his name for saving us from our real and imagined enemies. Please give praise. Now.

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