Text: Psalm 119:145-152
Key Verse: Lawless people are coming to attack me; they live far from your instructions vs 150
What would you do if you heard some wicked people were coming to attack you and there is no way of escape? What would you do when a situation is so dire? The natural thing is to seek help. Who do you go to for help? The Psalmist in his own calamity quickly retorted, “But you are near, O LORD…” vs 151. How did he know God was near? Even though God had not answered him, yet he knew God was near. How? “For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the LORD our God is to us, whenever we call upon him?” Dt 4:7. Since Moses, the children of Israel knew and had experienced the nearness of God when they cried to God in prayers. The Psalmist knew that. Because he was praying too, he knew God was near though his situation was dire.
Let us note how he prayed to glean some lessons:
- He prayed earnestly (wholeheartedly) vs 145. He was not double-minded. He placed all his confidence in God.
- He directed his request to God vs 146
- His request was specific- ‘save me’- vs 146
- He made his request with a promise to obey God’s word (may be to obey whatever God would direct him to do) vs 146
- He rose up very early in the morning to listen to what God would say to him vs 147
- He spent all night to prayerfully ponder on God’s promises vs 148
- His basis for praying was the character of God- ‘you are loving and kind’ vs 149
Who would not pray in such a manner when he is helpless and probably other helpers had failed? Distress? It is not a good place to be but only the LORD can save in such situations. May the LORD come to your rescue as you cry to Him for help in your difficult circumstances. Amen!
Prayer– Because you are so loving and kind, LORD, send help and save me and give me peace and rest on every side. Amen