Psalm 20
THE MIGHTY HAND OF GOD
from Psalm 20
1 May the Lord answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
2 May He send you help from the sanctuary
and grant you support from Zion.
3 May He remember all your sacrifices
and accept your burnt offerings.
4 May He give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.
5 May we shout for joy over your victory
and lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the Lord grant all your requests.
9 Lord, give victory to the King!
Answer us when we call!
This Psalm is written prior to King David going into battle. As I read the psalm, it strikes me that because of the faith of these people, there is no question that God is with them. They call on him with various requests but already claim victory. The anointed ones of God have nothing to fear.
We know that God hears our prayers and if we depend on him, we too can “rise and stand upright” as we face the battles in our lives. It seems so simple until we are in that desperate situation. Then, we call out to God with our list of answers and complain when he doesn’t do what we want.
Victory comes as God changes our heart to be at peace with His outcome. It is a struggle to be patient, to listen and to accept an unpleasant result. Struggle is hard and painful but we do not have to be alone. The mighty hand of God is with us – always and forever.
–Melissa Scarle