Psalm 20-21 Careful With That Prayer ...

David had come to offer sacrifices and to ask God for assistance as the nation faced war.  The people were petitioning God on behalf of their king as well, which was wonderful.  David had been called “A man after My own heart” by God Himself, so God was happy to comply.

I thought about this in modern times and whether it would still be a great prayer to ask.  But something said, “Be careful what you ask for!”  Verses 3 & 4 seemed to be what the warning was about, and it seemed to beg the question, “Have you done what David did?”  Here’s what came to mind:

“May He remember all your offerings” – I suppose we’d each better think about our offerings before someone prays that for us.  For what if our offerings have been miserly?  What if we’ve given less that the 10% that He calls us to return to Him?  Would He then be inclined, when He remembers our offerings, to put forth His efforts at the same rate?  For instance, if we’ve only been giving 5%, would we want him to only give us half His effort?  WOW!  Doesn’t that hit us where we live!

Another petition said, “May He give you what you want and make all your plans succeed.”  That also assumes that our thoughts are pure and that we are only desiring things that God has placed in our hearts to desire.  But if we harbor in our hearts thoughts that God would disapprove of us having, then we’d be bringing disaster upon ourselves were He to grant our requests. 

Since others were praying for the king here, it certainly indicates just how important our private thoughts can be and how important it is to keep them God-centered.

Father, help me not to scrimp when it comes to returning offerings to You from everything You’ve blessed me with.  Help me to always remember that You love a cheerful giver.  When You remember my offerings, I hope that You will have no reason to express disappointment.  Keep my mind and heart centered on You as well, Father, so that my wants and desires are godly, so that I’ll have no cause to flinch if someone prays for You to grant my desires.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford