May the LORD answer you…

My niece and I had come home to pick up something on the night my husband was whisked from one hospital to another. It was then she prayed this Psalm 20 with me. It seems the Lord brought this Psalm to her mind early that morning and bid her memorize it. She did not know the reason at that time, but God used her and the Psalm to strengthen me and encourage me later that same day. God's ways are immeasurably wise! When we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, our hearts are filled with anxiety and eyes with tears! When she prayed this prayer, " May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble; May the name of the God of Jacob defend you; ​​May He send you help from the sanctuary, and strengthen you out of Zion; May He remember all your offerings, and accept your burnt sacrifice(Psalm 20:1-3)", I was strengthened and filled with hope. Doctors may treat, but healing comes only from God. He is our healer. We are healed by His stripes. "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God" (v7).

It says that it is a Psalm of David. But this Psalm is a prayer by the people for the King of Israel as he is ready to go into battle. Perhaps David took a moment of spontaneous prayer by the people on his behalf and shaped it into a song to remember and recall the words so that he will regain spiritual strength even in the heat of the battle. The Lord Himself has to answer us when we pray, defend us, send us help, and strengthen us! The Lord has to remember the sacrifices we have made in the furtherance of the Gospel for Jesus said, "For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward. (Mark 9:41)" What more can we ask for at the time of trouble!

My friend, the Lord, is mindful of us. My prayer for you today is that the Lord Himself will answer you in the day of trouble and send you help. Then we will rejoice in the Lord's salvation, and in the Name of our God, we will set up our banners (v5).

Categories: Weekly DevotionalsAuthor: Hephzibah StephenDate: 11th February 2020 Share: newsletterDisplay date: 12th February 2020

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