False accusations can awaken a powerful desire to defend ourselves before everyone who will listen. Psalm 7 directs us first to a better court: the presence of the God who knows every heart, sees every hidden truth, and judges with perfect righteousness. David does not pretend to be sinless, but he can place his innocence concerning the charge before the Lord.

When your name is attacked, examine yourself honestly, repent where repentance is needed, and then rest in God’s verdict rather than living for human approval. The judgment of the world cannot give lasting peace, but through Jesus Christ there is grace, forgiveness, and peace with God. Because evil will not have the final word, God’s people can live without fear.

Psalm 6 gives words for believers who are weary, troubled, and overwhelmed. David does not hide his distress, but he brings it before the Lord and pleads for mercy.

This sermon calls us to run toward God in seasons of sorrow, not away from Him. Hope comes not from a change in circumstances, but from the assurance that the Lord hears, receives our prayer, and shows mercy to His people.

Psalm 5 contrasts the holiness of God with the wickedness of the world. David begins the day in prayer, rejoicing that God hears His people and recognizing that entrance into God’s presence comes only by His abundant lovingkindness.

This sermon calls believers to live righteously in an unrighteous world. Do not envy the world, imitate the world, or join the world in rebellion. Walk before the Lord in holiness and trust the shelter of His favor.

Psalm 4 teaches us how to respond when lies, slander, and reproach threaten to define us. David turns to the Lord and remembers that the world may tell lies and believe lies, but God knows the truth perfectly.

This sermon calls believers to find their worth in the Lord, declare what is true, and trust God’s deliverance. Because the Lord hears His people and makes them dwell in safety, they can lie down and sleep in peace.

True safety and peace are not found in power, prosperity, or public approval, but in being satisfied in the presence of God—even when enemies rise and accusations abound.

From the archives. Originally preached in September 2020, this sermon is from James 5:12-20, titled “Confess and pray.”

The heart desire of Christians must be for other Christians to grow in faith and obedience. This statement seems so obvious and elementary that you may be tempted to assume that it does not need to be stated or given much attention. It is indeed obvious and elementary, but it needs to be said and given attention because it often conflicts with your flesh's natural desires.

 Often, what is celebrated are temporary and fleeting achievements. Often, what is rewarded is what the world loves and not the things of God. Often, what your heart desires are rewards that have only momentary value. As a result, what you pray for is too often from the desires of the flesh rather than the will of God.

How can you train your heart to desire, above all other things, for other Christians to grow in faith and obedience? This passage models two areas that you must give the attention of your heart and mind to in order to train your heart to desire that other Christians grow in faith and obedience.

1. Be encouraged by what God has accomplished. (6-10)

2. Pray for what only God can do. (11-13)

In scripture, there are many examples of prayer. Some are eloquent others are passionate. Some are long and detailed; others are short and simple. Though not definitively prescriptive, these examples teach us how to pray.

Prayer is a fundamental part of living for Jesus. Jesus prayed. Jesus taught His disciples to pray. Paul prayed and encouraged the church to pray. The Old Testament is full of examples of God's people praying.

Jehoshaphat was a king of Judah who led his people to seek the Lord in prayer in a moment of crisis. A nation much stronger than his own was threatening to attack, and Jehoshaphat knew that they would lose in battle unless the Lord delivered them. So he called together the nation to pray and ask God to deliver them.

In Jehoshaphat's prayer, we have a helpful model of authentic prayer.

We are constantly comparing ourselves to others. At the gym, at work. online, and even at church. When we find ourselves among those who we judge as less than us, it makes us feel good. When we find ourselves among those who we judge as greater than us, it can make us ashamed or self-conscience. Jesus exposes the arrogance of our flesh in this parable and demonstrates the only way one can come and know the salvation of God.

Jesus tells these two parables in response to his disciples asking Him to teach them to pray. First Jesus gives an example prayer in verse 2-4 then He tells two stories to illustrate how we are to approach God in prayer and how God responds to our prayer.

As we consider this passage, I want you to see that we are to approach the Lord in prayer like children, that God will answer your prayer, and that the Lord’s heart toward His children is to give good gifts.