My notes from David Jackman’s talk in the fifth session at EMA (Evangelical Ministry Assembly)…
Preaching and praying from the Psalms (2)
Setbacks and defeat, suffering and persecution are not just evils; they are the context of Christ’s overwhelming victory which we share. We suffer because Jesus suffers. If we share in Christ’s suffering we will share in Christ’s glory.
Psalm 86
An individual prayer, a lament of David, when the servant of God is under pressure from opposition. It’s obviously a prayer under pressure. The opposition here threatens the existence of David (v14).
The key to Psalm 86 is verse 11 ‘unite my heart to fear your name’.
Nothing like pressure to show our divided heart. We see adverse conditions and turn on God rather than seeing God’s hand in it. Ultimately circumstances don’t determine what kind of people we are but what we do in these circumstances.
Psalms are ‘a word from God to provide us with words to come to God with’.
Verses 1-7: A Cry for Help
Verses 1-4 are focused and insistent (incline, preserve, be gracious, gladden). Each request has a reason (I am poor and needy, I am godly, I cry all the day).
Three aspects of David’s relationship:
- Godly covenant loyalty.
- Servants devotion to master.
- Trust in God’s promise.
David is not saying I deserve to be answered because he is trusting. But is sure he will be answered because God is to be trusted and he trusts Him. If our hearts is rested in God it is impossible that God will not be faithful to His covenant promises.
Verse 5 is the ground for the plea in verse 6. Because God answers, David calls to Him. God will preserve, protect, pour out grace and mercy, so we can pray for this. New Covenant right to claim that joy when we pray. It’s right to say ‘Give me joy Lord in the midst of pressure’ because you do provide. Birth right to rejoice in the Lord always.
Verses 8-13: A Celebration of Faith
Great affirmation of His sovereignty and care. God not the circumstances dominates the Psalms. Prayer focuses on God’s immeasurable greatness. Nowhere else to go to deal with life’s difficulties because God is unique in His majestic power and greatness. No alternative deity that can command universal worship. The whole earth will bow to His sovereignty.
Because of the Lord’s unique sovereign authority that my heart needs to be united to fear His name. Only God can inform His mind by revealed truth and only God can unite His heart. Through opposition God is knocking away the things David might rely on so His heart is united and he depends on God alone. Fear of the Lord is learning that He alone is Lord and living it out.
In verses 12-13 David moves through pressures to His ultimate deliverance. Even on the brink of death he knows that the Lord has saved him. If God’s steadfast love has covered our ultimate needs of salvation from death and hell we can rejoice.
Verses 14-17: Application of the Remedy
Bit of a shock is verse 14. Terrifying problem. Vulnerable man against gang of ruthless enemies. God hears instantly, but answer of deliverance might not be because God is working His purposes through it.
Difference prayer makes as David casts himself on God’s mercy. God could not be more committed to me so makes strong requests in verses 16-17. Not wrong to ask for sign of favour, its so enemies will see God’s glory in grace and favour. Special token as a forerunner to the full answer of His prayer.
Whatever opposition is plotting or whatever disappointed feelings you have, make David’s prayer your prayer. Ask God through the pressure to unite your heart so dependent on Him, and trust God’s purposes are being worked out in your life. Often trials come so that we let go of self-trust and trust in God and look to Him for deliverance.
