How to pray in a crisis.
Background:
King David’s son, Absalom had made a coup attempt on David’s throne and rule. David was forced to flee for his life. 2 Samuel 15
What is the first thing any tyrant does is a coup attempt? Take over and control the media, T.V. and radio, to broadcast the success of the coup.
How did Absalom do this in ancient times? He pitched a tent on the Palace roof and in view of all the nation had sex with his fathers concubines. Everyone saw that David was powerless to stop his son.
How do you handle stress? How do you react when things are overwhelming? Where do you turn when facing challenges?
I often turn to myself and rely on my own strength, or in despair immediately petition God for help.
| Psalm 3 (NIV)
A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom. |
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1 Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! |
David turned immediately to God praying, “Lord”.
He then described the crisis to God. |
| 2 Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him. |
David’s son and David’s advisors turned against him. Voices of despair said God would not help David. |
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3 But you, Lord, are a shield around me, |
David then reflected on God’s past provision. In remembering God’s faithfulness David gained perspective and grew in confidence. |
| 4 I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain. |
God had anointed him King. (1 Samuel 16:3)
He Defeated Goliath (1 Samuel 17) and Philistines (2 Samuel 4). Our problems are real but in perspective: God is greater. |
| 5 I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. |
David was so secure that he could sleep knowing that God sustains him even in the midst of crisis. |
| 6 I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side. |
After turning to God, describing the crisis, and reflecting on God’s past provision … |
| 7 Arise, Lord! Deliver me, my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked. |
David now requests two things of God.
1 – Salvation, “Deliver me.” 2 – Justice: Strike my enemies. If you can punch someone in the face he is powerless and can’t defend himself. Warrior David asks God forcibly to handle the situation. |
| 8 From the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people. |
David thanks God for his faithfulness. God will deliver! |
In 2 Samuel 15:31 David prayed that Absalom’s advisors would give him bad advise that would lead to his downfall and that is exactly how it played out. You too may seem overwhelmed and you may hear voices of despair telling you that God cannot or will not rescue you. But reflect on all that God has done for you in the past.
Ephesians 1:3-4 You were chosen by God before the foundation of the world.
Ephesians 1:18 God’s Spirit of incomparably great power lives within you
Romans 8:26-28 God will work everything together for the good!
By Richard Loper