David’s Prayer for Deliverance

“O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me: Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces, while there is none to deliver” (Psalm 7:1-2).

The question is not, “What will you do if trouble comes?” — the question is “What will you do when trouble comes?” John Moore is quoted as saying, “The real test in golf and in life is not keeping out of the rough, but in getting out after we’re in.” Psalm 7 has some great answers on what to do when trouble comes.

First of all, David declared that his trust was in the Lord (verse 1a). This is an absolute necessity in handling the trials of life. God knows what He is doing — we do not. He sees the end from the beginning — we do not. We’ve simply got to trust Him. A great many believers who have trusted God for salvation have not learned to trust Him with the paths of their lives. Trust Him!

Second, David recognized who the real enemy was (verses 1b-2). Trouble is the devil’s opportunity to “tear my soul.” If I am not on guard, if I blame God or others, if I do not draw near to God and resist the devil, my perspective on who the real enemy is will be incorrect.

Third, David affirmed his innocence and asked God to vindicate him (verses 3-16). True victory over trouble comes when we allow God to handle the problem instead of trying to do it ourselves. God is the righteous Judge! Give it over to Him!

Finally, at the close of the psalm, David praises God for His righteousness (verse 17). You’ve heard it said that prayer changes things. While that is true, it is also true that praise changes things. Most important, praise changes us!

Trouble comes to all believers. Jesus said:

“These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Trouble can either soften our will or harden our heart. It can make us bitter or better. May God help us to learn from David the proper way to respond when trouble comes knocking on our door.