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Friday, January 21, 2011

Praising God for Answered Prayer (Psalm 21)

Psalm 21

It’s been said, “If you pray for rain, carry an umbrella.” Are you truly expecting God to answer your prayers?

Read together with Psalm 20, this psalm reveals the Israelite community rejoicing with thanksgiving because the Lord indeed answered their prayers. God gave the king the victory in battle for which they prayed. God showed off His great salvation. God granted him the desire of his heart and did not withhold the request of his lips. God poured out His blessings upon the king – and thus upon the entire nation of Israel – in overflowing abundance. It seems He not only answered their prayers, but put His glory on display in the way He did it.

This psalm, then, shows the people of God shouting for joy and lifting up their banners in the name of the Lord, as they said they would do in Psalm 20:5, because God answered.

What is the key to such answered prayer? Look at verse 7. It’s faith! They asked in faith for God’s help, believing that He would not only hear their prayer, but answer. They trusted in His unfailing, steadfast love, knowing that when the Most High sets His loving affection and protection upon His people, they will not be moved. The enemy may plot evil but cannot succeed against the strength of Almighty God!

Jesus Himself made some bold promises to us regarding prayer. Check out John 15:5-8 or Matthew 21:21-22 for starters. And make sure you have your umbrella handy!

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