I. The PRAYER of David
a.) His ACTION
*verses 1-2a, (David cries out for God's MERCY and MINISTRATION)
"Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. I cry out to God Most High."
b.) His ANTICIPATION
*verses 2b-3, (God will PROTECT him to fulfill His PURPOSE)
"Who fulfills his purpose for me. He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me; Selah God sends his love and his faithfulness."
c.) His AFFLICTION
*verses 4 & 6, (the PURSUITS of his enemies to PERSECUTE him)
"I am in the midst of lions; I lie among ravenous beasts— men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords. They spread a net for my feet— I was bowed down in distress. They dug a pit in my path— but they have fallen into it themselves."
II. The PRAISES of David
a.) His EXALTATION
*verses 5 & 11, (his PAIN didn't PREVENT him from praising God)
"Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth."
b.) His ENTHUSIASM
*verses 7-8, (he even MAKES song and played MUSICAL instruments)
"My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn."
c.) His ENGAGEMENT
*verse 9, (he committed to PRAISE God before the PEOPLE of the world)
"I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples."
d.) His EXPRESSION
*verse 10, (he declares GOD'S faithful love is so GREAT)
"For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies."
Conclusion: Like David, whatever crisis we face today, we can run to God for help in prayer. Then we can praise Him too as we wait expectantly to His answer, with confidence to His infinite love and care for us.
