Sovereign Grace Church Toronto

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?

Pastor Tim Kerr

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?

Pastor Tim Kerr

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?

Pastor Tim Kerr

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?

Pastor Tim Kerr

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?

Pastor Tim Kerr