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 concerning when to add them, you’re going to 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 we ought to pray in times of trouble in Psalm 27.
This Psalm gives us insight into David’s prayer for deliverance when fleeing from Absalom. Can you imagine what is going on in David’s heart? Not only is he trying to preserve his life and those closest to him, but he is 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 has changed. Absalom not only wants the throne—he wants the king’s head.
Considering David’s circumstances, one might expect his first words to God to be, “Help!” While he does eventually reach that point, he begins his prayer by focusing on God’s character, not his own situation. He recounts God’s character and His attributes. He reminds himself that God is his light, salvation, stronghold, shelter, and deliverer. Then, based on God’s character, he makes 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 acknowledges that he will come out of this situation victorious, but it won’t be because of his strength or military prowess. It will be because of his unwavering faith in God’s deliverance.
So, does David just assume this salvation? No. He brings his situation before God, but not until he has focused his heart and mind on God instead of his circumstances. He proclaims, “Hear, O Lord!” (v. 7) He acknowledges his utter need. He knows his only hope is God and turns to Him for help. His prayer 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.” (v. 12).
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 will also help protect your heart and mind from fear.
