“Answer Me, Lord”
BRD REFLECTIONS
(Sarah Khoo, Pastoral Team Member, Children’s Ministry)
READ:
Psalm 69 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
Psalm 69 was written by David who is best known as a man after God’s heart. I observed several important components of prayer in Psalm 69. The Psalmist approached God with an attitude of humility. In verse 5, he was aware that he couldn’t hide his sins and shortcomings from God. He did not want to stumble anyone and willingly took responsibility for his own actions (v6-9). David prayed and cried out to God until he was physically exhausted (v3). “Answer me …” (v13, 16), the plea for God’s rescue was intensified. David was in great distress and facing pain caused by his enemies. This could be the consequence of his devotion and faithfulness to God. Jesus had the same experience during his final days on earth.
The Psalmist never gave up but persistently prayed to God to rescue him. His zeal for God and his faithfulness to do God’s will had caused many to hate him (v9-12). In verses 20 and 21, David spoke of a great suffering that he had to endure. These verses speak of Christ’s suffering and how much he had to endure the pain while He was crucified on the cross. Psalm 69 expressed confidence in God that He would deliver and rescue His faithful ones (v29).
Psalm 69 is not a self-centred prayer but a God-centred prayer instead as it focuses on God. The psalmist looked at who God is in his prayer (verses 13 to 18). God loves His people and is full of goodness. He will answer our prayer according to His goodness. God is merciful. He will not turn away our prayer asking Him to act against those who are against His people.
Another observation in this Psalm is, David pleaded and interceded for those who were being afflicted by the enemy (v6-7) because of their faithfulness to follow God. So here, Psalm 69 is a good reminder to pray for others who are also suffering because of their faith in God. Intercession for others helps to take away my self-centredness and leads me to focus on God’s love for those who are suffering.
In verses 32 to 36, David never forgets to give praise to God for who he is. God who always hears the cry of the needy and the poor in spirit when they always seek Him. Psalm 69 shows a life that is in total surrender to God. God will save and rescue His people in distress for doing God’s will.
APPLY:
When I face challenges in my walk with God, I can refer to Psalm 69 as a prayer guide. In times of confusion and the need for God’s direction, the phrase “Answer me, Lord” gives me confidence to present my situation with honesty. Interestingly, there is hope in a persistent prayer for God’s deliverance. Many times, I find that it takes a lot of trust to cry out to God and faith that He will answer my prayer.
Psalm 69 also teaches me to be honest about my shortcomings. In my walk with God, no matter how earnest I am to do His will, I still have my faults.
DO:
I will use Psalm 69 to guide me to the need for repentance and commit my agenda to God daily. Praising God in times of distress, I lift my eyes from my circumstance and look to God who will deliver me from my troubles. I will also use Psalm 69 to help me to refocus on the hope that I have in God. I find that by practising prayer according to Psalm 69, I am in a way, following the footsteps of Jesus.
PRAY:
Dear Lord God Almighty, teach me how to pray like the psalmist especially in this uncertain time. The news and rumours of wars, the uncertainty of the future and the stress of keeping up with the demands in life have caused much burden. I pray for Your peace and strength for those who are suffering because of their faithfulness to do Your will. Rescue them from the trap of the enemy. Strengthen them and deliver them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
