The Blessing of Scripture

Scripture is a great model for prayer. This is one of the great points Matthew Jacoby (Sons of Korah) makes in his book Deeper Places (highly recommended the read), especially when it comes to the Psalms. He explains that while we can learn and build our theology from the Psalter, its greatest blessing is showing what it looks like to wrestle and engage with Yahweh through the various seasons of life in a healthy and genuine way.

But this wasn’t just Matthew’s idea. In Psalm 86, we see David drawing from Exodus 34. He prays: “But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” (Psalm‬ ‭86‬:‭15‬)‭

This is clearly inspired from the words of Yahweh as He made His character known to Moses: “The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin…” (Exodus‬ ‭34‬:‭6‬-‭7‬)

David does this, not as a challenge, nor flattery, but as a demonstration of trust in the character of Yahweh in midst of his trials. I think David is also preaching to himself, reminding himself of who God is despite his situation.

This is why he can confidently pray: “I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.” (Psalm‬ ‭86‬:‭12‬-‭13‬)

I’m sure there are a number of you who are yet to be lifted from your current “Sheol”, or are waiting for deliverance from opposition (v.14). Keep praying and keep wrestling with God. Jacoby points out that “Throughout the book of Psalms, the mighty acts of God are celebrated, but it is important to note that most of the psalms were written in the gaps, in the periods when God wasn’t doing anything.” Be encouraged you’re not alone, and of how the Lord may be working in you in the “waiting room”.

For those on the other side, it’s only right to give thanks, not just in prayer but corporately too so that others may be both encouraged and join you. Worship isnt complete until it’s shared.

So as you’re getting into the Word, ask yourself how it may be speaking into your current situation. But perhaps, consider too how you might use it as a model for how you can engage with God in an honest and real way. Because that’s where true faith grows.