This psalm is a prayer of urgent pleading with God to take action on behalf of Israel when they are threatened by an alliance of strong enemies (1-3). These enemies' desire is for Israel to cease to exist (4). It's also appropriate for us to pray for the Church of Jesus when it is threatened. The psalmist specifically names the nations allied against them (5-8) and recalls when God gave his people victory over such enemies in the past (9-12). The struggles we face today are part of the same, long-term spiritual battle. We can also be encouraged by remembering how God has acted for his people throughout history.

The psalmist makes clear his desire for God to defeat these enemies completely (13-15, 17). However, he concludes by asking that the enemies' shame may lead them to seek God's name (16), and-as a result of this victory-God's name may be known throughout the earth (18). When we pray fervently in our distress, our desire can be purified until what we really want is for God to be known as the Most High. A true spiritual victory is for those who were once considered our enemies to come to God and be saved.


Application: Father, thank you for all the ways you have answered your people's prayer and saved them from strong enemies. Please enlist me as a prayer warrior today, so all nations may know you.
One Word: That all people may seek God's name.