Psalms 28-30

Read Psalms 28-30

Throughout the past few chapters we've been able to see a deep concern of Kind David - that of total silence and unanswered prayer from the Lord when he prays. David is probably like a lot of us! We have this assumption about God that since He's the epitome of love surely He will answer us according to what we pray. Right?

Well, much like each of us, David loves answered prayer too! We all do, especially when it comes exactly as we had hoped for and in OUR perfect timing. The reality is, God answers prayer in His own way. Don't forget what God told Isaiah in Isaiah 55:9 - "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Sometimes, He answers just exactly as we prayed. But often times, God may say "No" to what we're asking of Him. At other times, God may answer prayer in a different way or at a different time, but He takes our prayers very seriously. Out of His amazing and infinite love for us, He wants the very best for us. But, what we often pray may, in fact, not be the best for us. We may think it is. We may be asking God to spare our child who is dying and think, "How could a God who loves me think this is in someway better for me if my child dies?" 

God is NOT insensitive to the trials we go through. For some higher reason, God may say "No." And, when God is silent don't feel threatened or discouraged. He's working out things according to HIS perfect plan - not YOUR perfect plan.

David feared the silent treatment from God - just like each of us, and he begins Psalms 28 with that very fact:

"To You I will cry, O Lord my Rock: Do not be silent to me, Lest, if You are silent to me, I become like those who go down to the pit."

But, when God does answer his prayers, David bursts forth with praise to God! Notice what he says,

"Praise the Lord! For he has heard my cry for mercy. ⁷ The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving."

When God answers your prayer, are you like David - you burst out in songs of thanksgiving? Maybe the reason why God answers so many of David's prayers is found in his response to answered prayer. David goes overboard in giving praise and thanksgiving to God! What about you? Do you see answered prayer as a precious gift from God? Are you truly thanking Him enough?

While we often see prayer as petitioning God for things. Prayer also involves worshiping God! Do you ever take the time to worship God during your prayer time?  If you're like most people, God is nothing more than a waiter at a restaurant - taking your order and making sure you are satisfied. Often, prayer is all about us! But, have you ever taken the time to worship God during your prayer time? 

If you ever need some things to worship God about, take a look at the verse below from Psalms 29 and let it give you a head start!

"Honor the Lord, you heavenly beings; honor the Lord for his glory and strength. ² Honor the Lord for the glory of his name. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness."

In Psalms 30, I find it amazing that King David is so honest. He talks about how his pride got in the way of the Lord's blessing.  Notice what he says below:

"When I was prosperous, I said, “Nothing can stop me now!” ⁷ Your favor, O Lord, made me as secure as a mountain. Then you turned away from me, and I was shattered." 

If you ever want to stop the flow of blessing from God, just begin to believe in your own press release! Or, as in David's case, he allowed his prosperity, fame, and success fill his heart with pride. Remember, that's what caused Satan to sin! The sinful desires of the flesh, the lust for money, and the pride of a successful life is a recipe for disaster - especially if you're wanting God to bless your life. God will be silent and the blessings will dry up.

Begin to today to learn how to wait on God in prayer. He hears you. Now, wait on him. And, begin to worship Him for who He really is!