Trust and Perseverance in Prayers
It was vv. 2-3 that struck me in my first reading of the psalm. I had never come across a prayer seemingly against others. What happened to the Psalmist David? What led him to deliver this prayer?
In fact, the psalmist’s situation is articulated in Psalm 69. He has been enduring scorn and insults even from his kin despite his love and reverence to God. He keeps waiting for an answer to his prayers for deliverance; he feels as if he “sink[s] in deep mire, where there is no foothold” (v. 2, P. 69). However, he never gives up his rejoicing and hoping in God that He will hear his cry (vv. 31-37, P. 69). David extends the prayer to all the people who seek God so that they will be glad in God (v. 5, P. 70).
Returning to the passage, I came to realize some wonderful things about these two psalms. First, the psalmist conveys his suffering very vividly, no hiding or pretending to look good. In other words, there is no barrier between him and God, just like how a child would talk about what happened at school to their father that they love. This honesty and trust are really manifest in the psalmist calling himself “poor and needy” and asking for urgent help (v. 5).
Second, David’s faith in God and His steadfast love during the struggles gives me a critical self-reflection. We all have had challenging moments from time to time in our life, but have we always kept our eyes up to the Heaven? As in session 3 of Prayer Course, have we kept ourself in God’s arms and leaned on His love like David, when God’s intention for His answer is beyond our understanding?
Third, repeated readings convinced me that David actually prays for God to stand for the oppressed and save His followers from evil, not necessarily literally putting shame on David’s foes. Vv. 2-3 also speak to the extent of suffering David endures, coming back to my first amazement.
Thank You Lord for this chance to become more open and closer to You through this psalm. Let us keep our soul clinging to You with more love, trust, and perseverance like David. Let us keep ourself connected to You through our prayer. Amen
R.M.