How should we pray when we are going through trouble? We find several requests in David’s prayer in Psalm 34, and if we follow his example, God will lead us through our difficulties into blessing.
First, he says, “Hear my prayer” (v. 1) and “answer me speedily, O Lord; my spirit fails!” (v. 7).
We don’t have to shout to God; we don’t have to argue with Him. We simply can come to Him and say, “Lord, hear me.” When a child comes to his father or mother, the parent has his ears open. “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry” (Ps. 34:15).
Have you prayed to God about what worries you today? David’s second request is, “Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust” (v. 8). In other words, “Speak to me, Lord.”
Each morning David meditated on the Word of God, and God guided him. Have you taken time to read the Bible and let its Author speak to you? He’ll show you the way you ought to go.
David’s next request is, “Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies” (v. 9). God can do that if we are walking in the way He wants us to walk. In verse 10 David asks for instruction and guidance. “Teach me to do Your will, for you are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness.” Oh, how willing He is to do this!
Finally, David says, “Revive me, O Lord, for Your name’s sake!” (v. 11). Why do we want God to bring us out of times of difficulty? Sure, we want relief, but we also should want Him to be glorified. We want Him to deliver us for His name’s sake, that He might receive all the glory.
Your spirit can begin to fail when you go through extended trials. Ask the Lord for help, and He will lead you through difficult times. Always stay open to the guidance and instruction of God’s Word. God will speak to you through Scripture as He leads you through your trial. Keep trusting Him, and He will accomplish what is best for you and what glorifies Him.
Psalm 143(1-12)
1 Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness. 2 And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified. 3 For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead. 4 Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate. 5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands. 6 I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah. 7 Hear me speedily, O Lord: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit. 8 Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee. 9 Deliver me, O Lord, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me. 10 Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. 11 Quicken me, O Lord, for thy name’s sake: for thy righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble. 12 And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am thy servant.
By P. Warren Wiersbe