GOD STILL ANSWERS PRAYERS

Introduction:

Name to note

(a) David

(b) Ahitophel

(c) Absalom

King David was one of the most well-known figures in Jewish history. His life was filled with much happiness and much pain. He is known by many titles: David the conqueror, David the pious man, David the sweet singer, David the shepherd and David the penitent. King David was a descendant of Judah as well as Ruth, and was promised by God that his children would rule Israel forever. Until this very day, he is remembered by Jews everywhere, who still chant his Psalms in prayer, in times of joy and sorrow.

Ahitophel or Ahithophel was a counselor of King David and a man greatly renowned for his sagacity. During Absalom’s revolt he deserted David and supported Absalom.

Absalom is first mentioned as murdering his half brother Amnon, David’s eldest son, in revenge for the rape of his full sister Tamar. For this he was driven into banishment, but he was eventually restored to favour through the good offices of his cousin Joab. Later, when some uncertainty seems to have arisen as to the succession, Absalom organized a revolt. For a time he seemed completely successful; David, with a few followers and his personal guard, fled across the Jordan, leaving to Absalom Jerusalem and the main portion of the kingdom. The usurper pursued the fugitives with his forces but was completely defeated in the forest of Ephraim (apparently west of Jordan) and killed by Joab, who found him caught by the hair in an oak tree.

Background message:

Psalm 3 is the first Psalm with a title in the original Script and it concerns a specific time of crisis in David’s life. David fled Absalom because of a series of events that followed from David being under discipline for his own sins regarding Bathsheba and Uriah the Hittite (2 Samuel, chapter 11).

What to note:

1. To be blessed of God does not mean we have no problems.

2. Sin has its consequences in the life of the person that committed it

3. God is your shield, glory and hope.

4. God always wants to take all your anxieties and replace it with peace.

5. God may not answer your prayer in the way that you desire.

6. But God will always respond in the way that is best for you, and in the way that will best advance His purposes and plans for your life.

7. We must always put our trust and hope in God no matter what.

What to do:

1. Tell God about your problem.

2. Take comfort in His love and care.

3. Leave the rest to God — (entrust your deliverance to Him!)

What David did in times of his challenges:

I. David lamented in the presence of God (3:1-2)

II. He reflected on the person of God (3:3-4)

III. He gained relief from the peace of God (3:5-6)

IV. He expresses His petitions to God (3:7a)

V. David believed the promises of God (3:7b-8)

Conclusion:

Do you remember this MOP?

“What a Friend we have in Jesus,

All our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry

Everything to God in prayer!

O what peace we often forfeit,

O what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry

Everything to God in prayer!” etc.

No matter what we are facing all we need to do is to trust God and seek His face. HE WILL ANSWER.

Read

Matthew 10:28-31:

28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.

30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Rev. Dr. A.A Obe