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SELAH - Psalm 20
STOP
“May the Lord answer you when you are in distress(1)” When are you in distress? On most days, you probably wouldn’t say that you are in distress. You probably wouldn’t consider your current situation as being in distress. However, it doesn’t change the fact that you might, on some days, have that feeling. The stress of life, the obligatory feeling that you have to get everything right, seem to cloud your mind. Instead of being in distress, let’s de-stress by giving some time over to the Lord today.
Lastly, all of what’s on your mind, your thoughts, your feelings, your emotions, the expectations, your agendas, your to-do lists can be given over to the Lord. “May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed (4)” What is the desire of your heart that you are anxious for him to give you if you give him what’s on your mind?
EXHALE
Next, breathe. Breath in and out. Close your eyes to everything around you. God is as close to you right now as the breath in your lungs. Find peace in Christ. When you are ready, pray this simple prayer a few times while still focusing on your breathing.
As you inhale pray, “O Lord” As you exhale, pray, “Answer us when we call!”(9)
LOOK
Let’s look at the word of God today. When God speaks, it’s important for us to pay attention. Read these words slowly and carefully. Read it a few times. Notice which words or phrases stick out to you.
“May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion. May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings. May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your requests. Now, I know that the Lord saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm. O Lord, save the King! Answer us when we call!”(Psalm 20 NIV)
ASK
What stood out to you? This psalm was originally written as a prayer before going out to war. For many of us, though, we can consider this prayer before we step out the door and fight through another day. Look at all of the times that the writer says the word: May. Such a simple word, but a word that means you wish this upon the person. As you are facing “wars” in life, I hope that he does “answer you when you are in distress,” “protect you,” “send you help,” “grant you support,” “give you the desires of your heart,” and “make all of your plans succeed.” As the rhythm of “mays” continue throughout the psalm, there is a part in the psalm where he returns the glory to God, to give him the rightful honor. Do you do that when the Lord answers your prayer? He makes a comment that “some trust in chariots and some in horses” This would have been the “best technology” of the age. What are you putting your trust in? I hope that you are able to say as a rebuttal to whatever anyone else trusts, “BUT we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”
HEAR
What is God saying to you? Listen to hear his still small voice. Quiet your mind and search your heart. Now pray: “Speak Lord. Your servant is listening.” You are waiting to hear from the Holy Spirit, still your heart and mind. Based on the scripture you read today, God’s words to you, is there anything God is asking you to do? Read the scripture again if you need to. God is speaking to you through it. To finish up your quiet time, “rise up and stand firm.” Go to the Lord with confidence whenever you are in distress. Trust in him above all else. What are the desires of your heart that you are wishing God will grant. Speak those to him, firmly. “May the Lord grant all of your requests(5).”
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By Matthew D. TownsendSTOP
“May the Lord answer you when you are in distress(1)” When are you in distress? On most days, you probably wouldn’t say that you are in distress. You probably wouldn’t consider your current situation as being in distress. However, it doesn’t change the fact that you might, on some days, have that feeling. The stress of life, the obligatory feeling that you have to get everything right, seem to cloud your mind. Instead of being in distress, let’s de-stress by giving some time over to the Lord today.
Lastly, all of what’s on your mind, your thoughts, your feelings, your emotions, the expectations, your agendas, your to-do lists can be given over to the Lord. “May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed (4)” What is the desire of your heart that you are anxious for him to give you if you give him what’s on your mind?
EXHALE
Next, breathe. Breath in and out. Close your eyes to everything around you. God is as close to you right now as the breath in your lungs. Find peace in Christ. When you are ready, pray this simple prayer a few times while still focusing on your breathing.
As you inhale pray, “O Lord” As you exhale, pray, “Answer us when we call!”(9)
LOOK
Let’s look at the word of God today. When God speaks, it’s important for us to pay attention. Read these words slowly and carefully. Read it a few times. Notice which words or phrases stick out to you.
“May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion. May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings. May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your requests. Now, I know that the Lord saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm. O Lord, save the King! Answer us when we call!”(Psalm 20 NIV)
ASK
What stood out to you? This psalm was originally written as a prayer before going out to war. For many of us, though, we can consider this prayer before we step out the door and fight through another day. Look at all of the times that the writer says the word: May. Such a simple word, but a word that means you wish this upon the person. As you are facing “wars” in life, I hope that he does “answer you when you are in distress,” “protect you,” “send you help,” “grant you support,” “give you the desires of your heart,” and “make all of your plans succeed.” As the rhythm of “mays” continue throughout the psalm, there is a part in the psalm where he returns the glory to God, to give him the rightful honor. Do you do that when the Lord answers your prayer? He makes a comment that “some trust in chariots and some in horses” This would have been the “best technology” of the age. What are you putting your trust in? I hope that you are able to say as a rebuttal to whatever anyone else trusts, “BUT we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”
HEAR
What is God saying to you? Listen to hear his still small voice. Quiet your mind and search your heart. Now pray: “Speak Lord. Your servant is listening.” You are waiting to hear from the Holy Spirit, still your heart and mind. Based on the scripture you read today, God’s words to you, is there anything God is asking you to do? Read the scripture again if you need to. God is speaking to you through it. To finish up your quiet time, “rise up and stand firm.” Go to the Lord with confidence whenever you are in distress. Trust in him above all else. What are the desires of your heart that you are wishing God will grant. Speak those to him, firmly. “May the Lord grant all of your requests(5).”