Sometimes we presume God will act. The Psalmist indicates that prayer is needed even when it seems God is sure to act.
Psalm 119:169 May my cry come before you, Lord; give me understanding according to your word.
I can presume that if I spend time meditating on God’s word I will gain understanding since it is the source of understanding. The Psalmist however prays for understanding. I need both the Father to open my mind, and the Word to provide the raw materials in order to gain understanding. The Lord desires for us to walk with Him through His word, this is an act of faith and love, not independence.
170 May my supplication come before you; deliver me according to your promise.
I can presume that if God has promised something then I can expect it. This can lead to a false sense of security giving me freedom to be independent. The Psalmist clings to the Lord, rejecting such independence.
173 May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts.
I can presume that if I choose to follow God’s Word that He will help me. The Psalmist makes no such presumption. Yes, he chooses to walk with God, and then he asks the Lord to be ready to help him. The Lord is not a rule book and He is not looking for rule followers, but for people who choose His way; choosing to walk with Him through life.
Related articles
- For a fuller study on the passage – Not presuming on the Lord (biblebase2adaringfaith.wordpress.com)