I Call Out To The Lord

I CALL OUT TO THE LORD

a prayer to open

My Lord, my God, show me your heart. Ground me in your presence.

Draw me near and hold me close.

O LORD, I have so many enemies;

so many are against me.

So many are saying,

“God will never rescue him!”

But you, O LORD, are a shield around me;

you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.

I cried out to the LORD,

and he answered me from his holy mountain.

I lay down and slept,

yet I woke up in safety,

for the LORD was watching over me.

I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies

who surround me on every side.

Arise, O LORD!

Rescue me, my God!

Slap all my enemies in the face!

Shatter the teeth of the wicked!

Victory comes from you, O LORD.

May you bless your people.

David wrote this psalm when he was running for his life and surrounded by men loyal to his son Absalom. David’s men were outnumbered and being chased, and things looked hopeless. Yet David’s faith sustained him and he remained confident that God would deliver him from his enemies. Oh that we could remain confident in God’s promises when everything seems to be falling apart and we can’t see any light in the darkness.

• Consider a time when you felt surrounded on all sides by enemies (whether people or circumstances). How did you respond? How did you experience God during that time?
• What spiritual practices can help you build your faith during seasons of calm in order to prepare you for times of unrest? Which of these practices can you incorporate into your daily routine?
• Who do you know to be struggling or feeling overwhelmed in some way? How might you be able to encourage that individual in their faith this week?

Father, thank you for David and his example of faith in the midst of chaos and unrest. Strengthen my faith and grow my desire to meet with you each day so I can know you more and experience your power and presence. Protect me from enemies who try to pull me away from you and deter me from your plans for my life. Give me the words and presence of mind to encourage others in their faith this week. Amen.