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by Sandy Shaw
In these opening words of Psalm 20 we read of something so relevant and apposite as we face the days and weeks of 2022 – these verses from the Book of Psalm are quite unique - the words of the prayerful concerns of the people of God for King David. The people are letting David know that they are praying for him.
It is a time of trouble for King David and his people.
This corporate prayer of the People of God is for the king and the nation.
In your day of trouble - may the Lord hear you and the mighty Lord defend you and keep you safe and free from all harm.
The Hebrew ‘protect’ or ‘defend’ means - "set you on a high place".
Our God is a God who protects and defends – hold onto that in 2021.
Days of trouble come to us all.
We are all involved in this Psalm in one way or another - it speaks to each of us quite directly. Remember that, as you read the Word of God each day.
O what our leaders could do if they had the prayers of the people of God behind them - and this is something we learn - and this is what God would have us be as disciples of Jesus - praying men and women – who remember those in leadership - see - 1Timothy 2verses 1to 4 .
This was a day of trouble as the People of God faced an enemy – and their serious need was addressed to God.
With all his faults - the loyal praying people of God were able to overlook these - and were gracious and concerned to intercede for their king.
These people did not expend their energy criticising David. It is not easy to pray for a person whom you are criticising - and it is not easy to criticise an individual when you are praying for that person.
When the people prayed for David not only was David victorious - but the people were victorious. It is important to pray for the king - and for each other too.
Verse 2 - The people were praying that the Lord would help and strengthen David - but note where the help and support came from - from the sanctuary - from the holy place - from the place of prayer.
This is where help comes from - this is where leaders can be strengthened and supported - this is how strong Christian Leadership can be raised up.
Zion refers to that place where the people of God assembled and worshipped and sacrificed and prayed. This is one place where the Lord ministers to us. This is the place where we can receive healing and wholeness - in the place of worship - where the people of God are praising and praying – the place of His Presence.
Verse 3 - The people are praying that God would remember the sacrifices David had offered - and we too can pray that today. Lord God, remember the sacrifices - the offerings - whatever has been offered to you over the years - at some cost at times.
Lord, people have sown these as seed - Lord, produce a harvest. David had sown - and given to God according to His Word - Selah - Pause - Consider.
But also, there has been another sacrifice - the sacrifice of our Passover Lamb, Jesus Christ, on the Cross.
Verse 4 - May God give you the desires of your heart.
If the heart is clean the desires will be pure - this does away with selfishness and personal ambitions. May God help you fulfil all your plans.
These are tremendous words to pray for the king - but these are words we can use and pray for each other, knowing that God desires to answer our prayers.
"David, we know you are in God's Will - anointed of the Lord God - may God really help you in what you are doing under His Lordship."
Can you imagine how David must have been so encouraged and uplifted to realise what was going on – in a time of trouble.
Remember that Jesus Christ is with us in our praying – as is the Holy Spirit - be encouraged uplifted and strengthened.
Romans 8 verse 34and also verses 26,27
Verse 5 - We will shout for joy. When we hear the news of your victories, we will rejoice - and in the Name of God we will lift up our banners. God rallies His people.
David, we openly reveal that we are on your side. "If God be for us who can be against us?" In the long run it would be better had these people not opposed.
Verse 6 has a note of reassurance - I know that the Lord saves His anointed - there is a confidence that God will give victory.
He ministers to those in need - and rescues those who cry out when they are in desperate situations. These are truths God wants us to know.
Verse 7 tells us that some people look to men for help - to armies - to people's position and to human authority. God’s Name is the glory of His people.
Verses 5,6,7 express unwavering confidence in God!
Some trust in chariots - man's military power.
But we trust in the Name of the Lord our God. Our confidence is in God alone.
We, who are Christ's, will look to Him - He is our Saviour, our Lord, our King.
This is where to seek help and strength - from God - and we do it while we are in the sanctuary - while we are in the holy place - and it is not the place which is holy but the people who are holy. That is why we come near - and place our trust in HIM.
The Holy Spirit helped David see where to put his trust - just as the Holy Spirit helps us. There was a day when Pharaoh gathered 600 of his best chariots to chase the Children of Israel - and we know what happened. They trusted in God.
Verse 8 speaks to us about the chariots and the horses - the human forces - falling.
But we who look to Jesus Christ the King rise and stand upright.
The final outcome is not in doubt.
The world needs to see that in these present days.
In this Psalm there is a trust in His Name - His Word - His Power.
Verse 9 - Save our king, O God - that is short and to the point.
As we pray for the king – for the leader – may he know we are praying for him.
As we face these early days in 2021, here is an encouraging word, encouraging us to continue to intercede for those in leadership - as well as for each other.
In one very real and practical sense we are all in leadership wherever we go – sometimes unaware of who is being led and helped and strengthened – by our presence – our friendship – or the words we speak.
Do not be afraid or shy to witness for Jesus – Jesus will provide all that you need for any nervous moment – “it will be given you what to say”.
This is God's Way for God's People.
“Hast Thou not seen?
All that is needful hath been
Granted in what He what he ordaineth.”
“Gracious and loving God – my heavenly Father – help me to make my life count as I serve in the Kingdom of God. You call – and You provide all we need as and when we need it. Come Holy Spirit – empower every disciple of Jesus Christ – and whatever we do, we promise to give You all the praise and glory, in Jesus Name. Amen”
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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