Prayers and Answers

Background

Psalm Written by David

Was given to the Choirmaster

In the audience of Great men

Verse 1

What is happening ?

David is asking for an answer from God.

What kind of heart does David have ?

Humble heart

Knows his righteousness comes from God

Knows that hearing from God is a grace. (it is something that you can not deserve but is given to you.)

Thankful hear

Looks to the past, remembers the times that God gave him relief in times of distress

Verse 2 - 3

Who is David talking to in this section

O men, Men of rank or in power

We can see a little bit of what David is going though

David is doing things that should be honorable to his name but is being turned into shame by other people.

Asking these men of power why they still believe the lies that other people speak (most likely about him).

Goes back to his relationship with him and other followers of the true God.

That God sets us apart for himself (showing Gods jelously for us).

That the Lord hears our needs and requests.

Verse 4

It is ok to be angry about the actions of sin in the world but do not cross the line of sin

We know if we cross the line of sin when our anger goes onto people and turns into hate toward that person

but instead ponder on what you are feeling in your hear in a quite a private place.

This is so you can seek and listen to what God wants you to do with this feeling that you are having.

It says Selah after this (What does this mean?)

Stop and think about these things

Verse 5

Taking this into our current day (since we are no longer doing animal sacrifices for our sins), what are some of the sacrifices that we can make?

Trust the Lord to take the sacrifices that we offer and use them.

Verse 6

There are many people looking for some compass to show them what is truly good

Here David is asking the Lord (the one true compass) to reveal himself to people.

Verse 7

David is just showing that the joy provided from the Lord is so much greater then the things of the world.

Verse 8

David knows after everything rather he is answered or not, or given the answer that he wanted or not he can still be in peace because God alone provides the safety that he could. Safety is something that especially in america we can struggle with but God provides the safety no matter were we are. So put your trust in the Lord and know that he is listening to your desires of your heart. Seek Him and listen for the answers that God will answer the seeking heart.

English Standard Version Chapter 29

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.