This psalm really has some juicy nuggets in it. There are so many requests going on. Remember that movie when Jim Carrey played God, I think it was Bruce Almighty. Well, I remember a scene where he was hearing all the prayer requests and he was overwhelmed. Couldn’t fathom at first how God could ever answer all of them.
I know that is a silly example, but it’s true. When we think of all the prayers God hears and he answers them all. In this psalm alone, we see David praying that (1) God will come quickly, (2) God not turn away, (3) God be heard every morning, (4) God show him the path, (5) God rescue from enemies, (6) God teach, (7) God silence enemies, (8) God destroy foes and so on. That is a relatively short prayer, but it is sure packed with requests.
But note, amidst the requests, there are beautiful affirmations. God is faithful and righteous, has done great works, shows unfailing love, and is gracious. God appreciates our adoration, and that should be the easy part of our prayers. Easy, but often forgotten.
Think about your prayer life. When you talk to God is it conversational or more like a plea full of requests? Do you shower him with praise and adoration, telling him of his greatness? Do you come with a grateful heart?
Do you think of God as your best friend or as a untouchable deity? The psalmist seems to be doing a good job of doing both. He is raw in his cries for help but mindful of who he is praying to.
Our prayers don’t need to be elaborate. They just need to be. We need to be talking with God and sharing our lives with him. Sure, he knows what we think before we think it and all of that, but he yearns to hear it come from us. He longs for a relationship with his children.
Reflect on your prayer life and how you can make it more meaningful for you and for God.
Let’s pray. Lord you are majestic and mighty. You have made all that is, and the beauty of your creation astounds me. Thank you that you have put me in your world to enjoy you in this way. Forgive me when I forge on ahead before bringing you into the plan. I want you to be Lord of my life. Guide me and move me in the direction you want me to go. Help me to listen for your voice. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
If you were to write a psalm today, a song about your place in life, what would it look like? This psalm is ascribed to David as he is in a cave. He sounds a bit forlorn and very lonely.
