My notes from David Jackman’s talk in the ninth session at EMA (Evangelical Ministry Assembly)…
Preaching and praying from the Psalms (3)
We’ve been learning about our answering speech in response to life’s pressures. The Psalms is the prayer book of Israel, how God’s people learned to pray, response speech to God. More we study the Psalms, the more we are instructed in answering speech in all the changes of life.
Psalm 108
Verses 1-5 is the second half of Psalm 57. Verses 6-13 is the second half of Psalm 60. But it’s not a cut and paste job. The two Psalms are seamlessly joined to give a new creation to give us hope and focus. It’s a new challenge to appropriate the old realities of David’s day. Psalm 108 is a Psalm for new initiatives and ventures of faith.
The context of the confidence behind Psalm 108: it was not written when everything is going well. Psalm 57 was written by David when he was being hunted as a fugitive. Psalm 60 when he was being defeated as a leader. As God’s people run to God in the midst of trouble it shows dependence and faith in Him. That brings about victory – it’s inconceivable that God won’t be the deliverer.
“We are never stronger than when we are most dependent on God.”
Verses 1-5 is the context for the earthly challenge. Seeing the challenge on earth in the light of heaven and eternal glory the psalmist prays. David’s confidence based on God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. Whether in heaven or on earth God is to be praised. This is the perspective you and I need as we face the immense challenge of evangelising our generation. The Psalm reassures us that God is committed to accomplishing His purposes.
Verse 6 is an urgent appeal with Psalm 60 in the background asking God to do what covenant loyalty would mean He would do.
Verses 7-9 reminds us that God is control of history and geography. He gives land to His people. God guarantees the protection of the land. What about their enemies? Look at how God views these enemies in verse 9. As the church faces battles, yes the enemy is active and strong. But the cross and empty tomb tells us he’s defeated.
When we feel hunted we know how to respond to God:
- Remind yourself of God’s promises.
- Believe their fulfilment.
- Ask for care.
Verses 10-13 is how we go out to the next challenge with faith. New ventures of faith. If Eden defeated, someone must lead the king to conquest. It’s beyond David’s capability, only God can win that city. But God appears not to go out with us. God defeated enemies in the past. Now have you not rejected us?
Is the New Atheism/Internet generation beyond God’s power and reach? Go back to the promises of God and exercise faith in His Word. Prayer is evidence of that faith. If we believe the promises, claim fulfilment in our prayers. When we pray grant us hope there will be change. Live verse 13, He empowers His people. He treads down enemies by His presence with and empowerment of His people who are dependent on Him. As captives set free it is seen to be entirely the work of God’s grace.
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