Adversity According to Psalm 28

[Excerpt David sent me from the Piper book on Sovereignty (see Books section of blog)]

“Psalm 28 teaches you passionate, direct prayer to God. He must hear you. He will hear you. He will continue to work in you and your situation. This outcry comes from your sense of need for help (1-2). Then name your particular troubles to God (3-5). You are free to personalize with your own particulars. Often in life’s 'various trials' (James 1:2), what you face does not map exactly onto the particulars that David or Jesus faced, but the dynamic of faith is the same. Having cast your cares on him who cares for you, then voice your joy (6-7): the God-given peace that is beyond understanding. Finally, because your faith always works out into love, your personal need and joy will branch out into loving concern for others (8-9).”

Psalm 28

The Lord Is My Strength and My Shield
Of David.

Psalm 28:1 To you, O Lord, I call;
my rock, be not deaf to me,
lest, if you be silent to me,
I become like those who go down to the pit.
2 Hear the voice of my pleas for mercy,
when I cry to you for help,
when I lift up my hands
toward your most holy sanctuary.

3 Do not drag me off with the wicked,
with the workers of evil,
who speak peace with their neighbors
while evil is in their hearts.
4 Give to them according to their work
and according to the evil of their deeds;
give to them according to the work of their hands;
render them their due reward.
5 Because they do not regard the works of the Lord
or the work of his hands,
he will tear them down and build them up no more.

6 Blessed be the Lord!
For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy.
7 The Lord is my strength and my shield;
in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;
my heart exults,
and with my song I give thanks to him.

8 The Lord is the strength of his people;
he is the saving refuge of his anointed.
9 Oh, save your people and bless your heritage!
Be their shepherd and carry them forever.