Tuesday, March 14th, 2023

Psalm 69 is one of anguish, the writer obviously suffering at the hands of the world because of his faith in God. He says, "For zeal for your house has consumed me, and the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me. When I wept and humbled my soul with fasting, it became my reproach. When I made sackcloth my clothing, I became a byword to them. I am the talk of those who sit in the gate, and the drunkard make songs about me." Who else can relate to this? Today a true and genuine Christian faith is ridiculed mercilessly by many in the world. Faithful living is the cause for scorn. But see how David responds in the next 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." First, see that David's response is prayer to God (not petition to those mocking him), something we can all take example from. But see how he prays: David does not accuse, demand, or even beg God rescue him immediately, on David's terms. No, David makes sure to pray for God to act on God's timing and from the abundance of God's love to save him according to God's unique ability to save. David doesn't view God as his personal genie in prayer, demanding or begging God act according to David's will; David uses prayer to align himself with God's character, timing, and grace. This is the heart of prayer: understanding God's nature, trusting Him, and moving our hearts into alignment with His plans. It is acknowledging that no matter what we may think is right or needed right now, God knows best and God is going to do what is best. Today, let this be an encouragement to your faithful living by the grace of God and a model for your own prayers to the Lord.

"For zeal for your house has consumed me, and the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me. When I wept and humbled my soul with fasting, it became my reproach. When I made sackcloth my clothing, I became a byword to them. I am the talk of those who sit in the gate, and the drunkard make songs about me. 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: 9-13 ESV