Maybe you've heard the story of a small town that was facing a dilemma. They were facing a severe drought. The farmers were going to lose crops and that meant a loss of revenue and the means to support their families.
The town decided to hold a prayer meeting. Great and passionate prayers were prayed to the Lord.
While this was going on, someone noticed a little girl who was standing all alone in the back of the church. She was holding an umbrella. When asked why she brought it along, the girl replied, "To keep the rain off of me."
That's a good example of faith. The girl didn't know when it was going to rain. But she was sure that the Lord would answer their prayers. She was going to be ready when the clouds opened up and the rain came tumbling down.
In Psalm 6, David is facing a whole host of problems. He is troubled by his sins. His enemies are pressing down upon him. And he feels abandoned by God.
But then in verse eight, the psalm takes a curious turn. Depart from me, all you workers of evil, for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping, The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord accepts my prayer. All my enemies shall be ashamed and greatly troubled; they shall turn back and be put to shame in a moment. (vs.8-10)
Before God has had time to answer this prayer, David is confident that God hears him when he prays and God will act to bring protection and peace of mind and heart.
It's kind of like bringing an umbrella to a prayer meeting to ask for rain.
David's faith is such that he trusts in God - to forgive, to save, to protect and to punish.
This is a faith to pray for. And God will hear that prayer and answer it. Through His means of grace - Word and Sacraments - God strengthens our trust in Him so that we believe that He will act at just the right time in a way that is best for us.
What's going on in your life today? What are you facing that is causing fear? Where do you need some help and protection?
Let your God hear from you today. Just like David, God will hear your pleas.
You might keep an umbrella nearby. You never know....
