Hear, O Lord

I’m not much of a cook, but I do know this: The ingredients of a recipe aren’t all that’s important in making a delicious meal. You can have all the right ingredients, but if you don’t follow the directions, you’ll wind up with something other than what you wanted. While I never want to reduce prayer to a formula, God gives us a wonderful pattern for how to pray in times of trouble with Psalm 27.

This psalm gives us insight into David’s prayer for deliverance when fleeing from Absalom. Can you imagine what was going on in David’s heart? Not only was he trying to preserve his life and those closest to him, but he was also dealing with the pain of betrayal. While the king of Israel had a complicated relationship with his son, he wouldn’t have previously placed him in the enemy column. All of that had changed. Absalom not only wanted the throne; he wanted the king’s head.

Considering David’s circumstances, one might expect his first words to God to be “Help!” While he did eventually reach that point, he began his prayer by focusing on God’s character. He recounted God’s character and attributes. He reminded himself that God was his light, salvation, stronghold, shelter, and deliverer. Based on God’s character, he made statements of faith, saying, “He will hide me. He will shield me. He will lift my head above my enemies. So, I will sing and make sacrifices.” He acknowledged that he would come out of this situation victorious, but it wouldn’t be because of his strength or military prowess. It would be because of his unwavering faith in God's deliverance.

Did David just assume this salvation? No. He brought his situation before God, but not until he had focused his heart and mind on God instead of his circumstances. He proclaimed, “Hear, O Lord!” He acknowledged his utter need. He knew his only hope was God and turned to him for help. Even today, his prayer still has a tone of desperation. “Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence” (Psalm 27:12, ESV).

When you find yourself in great need, turn to God. Focus on him. Trust in him. Don’t forget to take your needs to him. Following this pattern not only honors God, but it will also help protect your heart and mind from fear.

^{Mark Renfroe and his wife, Amy, have been involved in field missions work for 30 years. Mark served as the area director for Assemblies of God World Missions and currently serves as the chief missions officer for World Challenge.}