Prayer Series IX
CONTEXT: The following are from Spurgeon’s’ Treasury of David:
The Psalm, seems to us to describe either David or some other man of God who was appointed by the divine choice to a high and honourable office in Israel. This elect champion found himself rejected by his friends and fellow countrymen, and at the same time violently opposed by his enemies. In faith in God he battles for his appointed place, and in due time he obtains it in such a way as greatly to display the power and goodness of the Lord. He then goes up to the house of the Lord to offer sacrifice, and to express his gratitude for the divine interposition, all the people blessing him, and wishing him abundant prosperity.
This was Luther’s favourite Psalm, his beauteous Confitemini, which “had helped him out of what neither emperor nor king, nor any other man on earth, could have helped him.” With the exposition of this his noblest jewel, his defence and his treasure, he occupied himself in the solitude of his Patmos (Coburg). Franz Delitzsch.
Nothing can surpass the force and majesty, as well as the richly varied beauty, of this Psalm. Its general burden is quite manifest. It is the prophetic expression, by the Spirit of Christ, of that exultant strain of anticipative triumph, wherein the virgin daughter of Zion will laugh to scorn, in the immediate prospect of her Deliverer’s advent, the congregated armies of the Man of Sin (Ps 118:10-13). Arthur Pridham.
We may not be going through the same “experience” today but many true believers still suffer in some form or other many for Christ. The following from iBelieve.com is a good reminder that we need to be strong in our faith through troubled times.
A Prayer of Faith Through Suffering
By: Kristine Brown
“Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” 1 Peter 5:9 NIV
Suffering can leave us feeling isolated. Like we’ve been forgotten, left to suffer alone while life goes on without us. Ever see a social media post from a friend, or even your church, that made you feel like you’re on the outside looking in? In difficult times, have you felt like no one understood your pain?
Our enemy wants us to think when we go through hard times, that we are on our own, but Peter’s words address this, so believers will be aware of these lies. Peter knew how those feelings can leave us vulnerable to attack, and he also knew the truth that would bring hope and freedom in times of great suffering.
1 Peter 5:9 reads, “Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”
here are others who understand what we’re going through. We are stronger when we realize our brothers and sisters in Christ are “undergoing the same kind of suffering” that we are. Our faith grows as we recognize we are stronger together and choose to support one another in our struggles.
Peter goes on to tell about the hope beyond our suffering. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” 1 Peter 5:10
Let’s thank God today for His promise to restore us by His never-ending grace in our lives. We are not alone. Let’s call to Him today with a prayer of faith, even through our suffering.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Sometimes I feel so alone. I feel as if no one understands what I’m going through. Hear my prayer today, Lord. Help me to stand firm in my faith through times of suffering.
I know the enemy wants me to believe no one cares. But your Word says I am never alone. I choose to believe the truth of Psalm 23:4 that says, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you are with me…” Help me hold on to this truth when I am going through difficulties in my life. You are always here, ready to offer peace, mercy, and love.
Lord, when I see others who are suffering, show me ways to reach out to them. Give me opportunities to share your love with others, so they won’t feel alone. Thank you for giving us strength to persevere and compassion for our brothers and sisters in faith. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Faithful Steward Ministries and FSM Women's Outreach 