Song of Petition in Problematic Times

* Devotional for Midweek Prayer Meeting *

I. Title and Subject. A Psalm of Asaph. A Psalm of complaint such as Jeremiah might have written amid the ruins of the beloved city. It evidently treats of times of invasion, oppression, and national overthrow. Asaph was a patriotic poet, and was never more at home than when he rehearsed the history of his nation. Would to God that we had national poets whose song should be of the Lord. —Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Treasury of David

II. ARRANGEMENT OR DIVISION:

Problem Poured Out, vv1-4
Petitions Presented, vv5-12
Praise Promised, v13

III. APPLICATION FOR DEVOTION:

Godless Prominence Among the Nations, vv1-4
-horror
Gospel Pleas from God's People, vv5-12
-help
Glorious Praise to Come in that Day, v13
-hope

IV. ATTITUDE FOR DUTY

vv1-4
1. acknowledge wickedness apart from Christ
2. acknowledge our own wickedness before Christ saved us
3. acknowledge God's sovereignty & trust in Him alone

vv5-12
1. Christ alone is the answer to every situation in the world, v5
2. conversion can only occur thru violent overturning, v6
a. Matt 11:12; 21:31
b. Acts 9:1-6, The Conversion of Saul of Tarsus
3. contrite repentance by godly sorrow, v12
a. 2 Cor 7:10

v13
1. eternal supply from God in Christ, v13a
2. eternal gratitude toward God in Christ, v13b
3. eternal witness of God in Christ, v13c