Scripture: Ruth 2:1-3:11 | Speaker: Andrew Kerr | Date: February 24, 2013
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RACHAM: Tender Mercies – The Wonder of God’s Mercy
“Because the poor are plundered, because the needy groan, I will now arise,” says the LORD; “I will place him in the safety for which he longs.” Psalm 12:5
What kind of things move God’s heart? This verse shows He is moved by human suffering. He is moved when helpless people are man-handled by others…When his creatures find life hard and groan under the load…When hope seems to have vanished…When a deliver of only God’s capabilities is needed. Note that the deep longings of the soul are observed and noted by God. It appears that God’s longings and our longings sometimes coincide.
RACHAM: Tender Mercies – The Wonder of God’s Mercy
But you do see, for you note mischief and vexation, that you may take it into your hands; to you the helpless commits himself; you have been the helper of the fatherless. Psalm 10:14
This is an unusual prayer because the Psalmist is talking to God about God. He is identifying and articulating evidences of God’s mercy and grace. Several wonderful evidences of mercy come to us in rapid succession in this verse. We are “helpless” and he is the “helper”. He “sees”, “notes”, and “takes” our troubles into hand. Such attentiveness from the Almighty toward just one needy soul! Far from pushing God away, deep neediness and helplessness fixes God’s attention upon us!
There is no direct request in this verse yet the reader has every expectation of an answer from God—because of the kind of God he is. What remarkable truths about God are spoken about here? What are some ways a godly (God-like) person can reflect these characteristics to others?
RACHAM: Tender Mercies – The Wonder of God’s Mercy
The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:9-10
The ancient fortress or stronghold was the only protection a city had against its enemies. Without a stronghold they were vulnerable and in constant danger. In this verse we find that God himself is the place of safety. We are to run to him when in trouble. Instead we often just run—run from a church that has problems, run from relationships that are difficult, run to sleep, or food, or entertainment, or medication. Running in the wrong direction. This verses tells us how we get in the stronghold.
It begins with a clear thinking about God. This, then, leads to seeking him which is parallel to trusting in this verse. Knowing…trusting…running to God.
What then does this reveal about our running and seeking of comfort in other substitutes?
RACHAM: Tender Mercies – The Wonder of God’s Mercy
I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the LORD sustained me. Psalms 3:5
The gift of life is exactly that. A gift. Not an entitlement. It is possible to wake up morning after morning without any thought of the fact that we woke up because God was merciful to us. But our lack of recognition doesn’t make it any less so.
In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8
Sleeplessness has many causes, but one of the most common is anxious thoughts. What is needed is peace of heart, which also implies trusting God rather than ourselves. How does the word “alone” in Ps 4:8 teach us about the right and wrong source of trust?
PÂLAL: To Intervene, Intercede – Simple patterns of prayers
Turn to me and be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant, and save the son of your maidservant. Show me a sign of your favour, that those who hate me may see and be put to shame because you, LORD, have helped me and comforted me. Psalms 86:16-17
God loves bold prayers and this is a bold prayer! Five bold requests in rapid succession. Nothing changes things like when God stands beside a man, woman or child. Impossible odds suddenly dissolve into nothingness! We need to pray this prayer more often—especially “Show me a sign of your favour!”. Note the two-fold effect of answered prayer—one toward demonic enemies, and one toward the one praying. Answered prayer has spiritual warfare implications! So we keep our eyes focused on God when in spiritual battle. His involvement changes everything, and that change comes through prayer!
PÂLAL: To Intervene, Intercede – Simple patterns of prayers
Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. Psalms 86:11
Every believer struggles with a divided heart on some level. Paul teaches us in Galatians that “the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do” (Gal 5:17)
But while we live with the presence of the flesh, we do not need to live with the mindset of the flesh. We find, in the request of Psalms 86, two requests, with two sanctifying results. One request seeks God’s truth. The other request seeks God’s power. We must know both before we can be truly changed.
“You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God.” Matthew 22:29
PÂLAL: To Intervene, Intercede – Simple patterns of prayers
Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abound- ing in steadfast love to all who call upon you. Psalms 86:4-5
These two verses remind me of a verse in Proverbs:
An evil man is ensnared in his transgression, but a righteous man sings and rejoices. Proverbs 29:6
The first and second line interpret each other. Singing comes from being free—not being ensnared by sin. The song of the soul set free!
Psalms 86:4-5 hints at a similar theme. Note the request and the appeal to God’s forgiving nature. How does forgiveness granted by God give us gladness? What do we learn, then, about the connection between prayerlessness and a heavy spirit?
PÂLAL: To Intervene, Intercede – Simple patterns of prayers
Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Psalms 85:6
Joy is rare. So rare, in fact, that it gets the attention of believers and unbelievers. It is something everyone wants but few ever taste. Most accept the poor substitute called pleasure. Pleasure is much easier to find, but transient and shallow in comparison. Pleasure is a “feel good” experience that typically comes from the outside in, whereas joy is a deep heart-happiness that comes from within…but given first from above.
This prayer is a plea for God’s people—a plea for the church to be characterized by joy—a plea for marriages and families and relationships of all sorts to display a God-centered delight and gratitude.
Note what MUST come first. Joy is the result, not the request itself. And it all begins with prayer. Are you praying this regularly for your church? For your friends? For your family? For your marriage? For your small group? If not, why not? Will you make this a regular part of your prayers from now on?
PÂLAL: To Intervene, Intercede – Simple patterns of prayers
Say to my soul, “I am your salvation!” Psalms 35:3
Lack of assurance is a common problem among genuine believers. It is somewhat similar to not knowing if we are loved by another person. The key is hearing and seeing expressions of love from that person toward us. Interest, attention, kindness, affection—these are all tangible ways that we receive assurance that we are truly loved by another. How then does one receive assurance of God’s love toward them? This verse tells us that it begins with a prayer for God to speak his love to us. This is a very personal request. It is a request for God to whisper something deep into our soul, to give us the assurance we lack.
When God answers a prayer like this, what form would you expect it to take? Would it be an impartation of faith in a written promise? An encouragement spoken through someone else? A faith-sense of God’s love through a direct work of the Holy Spirit? Nagging fears suddenly erased? A gradual or sudden sense of inner peace? A message from God’s word through a preacher, bringing special conviction? A song or a book that speaks directly to the longing of your soul? How would you expect God to answer a prayer like this?