Salvation Belongs to the LordSample

The Believer’s Prayer

David’s life had turned upside down since Absalom proclaimed himself as king. David, though a king, was rendered a refugee in his own kingdom. His son, who ought to love him, instead sought to kill him. David was strangely accustomed to running for his life from a family member seeking him harm. In his youth, his jealous father-in-law King Saul tried to kill him. Now well advanced in age, David was a pale shadow of his former self. The energy of youth was no more. He was surrounded and outnumbered by his enemies. There did not seem to be a future for David. This was perhaps the greatest challenge of his life, greater than even facing Goliath alone. David in this moment of trial cries aloud to the LORD. David knew that, though he was far from Jerusalem - the city of God, God was never far from him. Thus, he turns to the maker of heaven and earth who alone could aid him (Psalm 121:2).

David affirms his prayer was answered by God from his holy hill. It was in Jerusalem, where God was enthroned among his people upon the mercy seat between the Cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:22). Though David had fled the holy city of Jerusalem and the usurper Absalom was in control of it (2 Samuel 16:15), it was still God who reigned over it. God was the High King over Jerusalem who had set his anointed one on the throne (Psalm 2:6). Despite the rebellion of Absalom, God was still on the throne, and it is he who answers David’s prayer. Even during the various trials of our lives, God remains sovereign. He has not lost control. He has not been dethroned. From his throne of grace, God hears his children’s pleas for mercy and answers them!

For the children of God, the trials in life drive them closer to God. When overwhelmed by adversities and difficulties, the child of God is often left bereft with nowhere to turn but to God! We may always flee to the bosom of Christ in prayer, knowing he will answer our plea. This is why the Baptist preacher, Charles Spurgeon commented, “I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages.” Trials in our lives awaken us to renounce our self-sufficiency and seek our salvation in Christ alone!