I’ve often struggled with the kind of boldness David reveals in his relationship with God when he writes Psalm 31. First I think, “who am I to be so demanding of God?” Then He reminds me, “you are my child, a prince of the One High God!” The author of Hebrews 4 reminds us of this confidence that David had and that we too should have:
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Notice how David does not do a whole lot of pleading with the Lord, but prays expectantly. He expects God to answer his prayers because he knows God intimately. When children go to their parents asking for something, they expect a positive answer. They think, “My dad loves me, so he will give me this. My mom loves me, so she will show me mercy and compassion. My parents love me and know what is best for me so I will ask them first.” Do you have such a relationship with your Heavenly Father? James, Jesus’ half-brother, also wrote about such boldness. He reminds us that not only should we pray expectantly, but if we don’t we will be lost in our faith!
5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8 being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
David knew his position with the King, his Daddy Jehovah. He knew what to pray because he knew what the Father would say. He knew the Lord’s love, mercy, patience, and kindness. He recognized the grace of God in his life. Do you?
