ARE YOU LOOKING FOR VICTORY IN YOUR LIFE?
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The time of David’s reign as king of Israel was a warring time with enemy nations on every side. The citizens looked to their king for victory in battle. It was before one such battle that David penned a special psalm prayer, Psalm 20, for the people to pray.
For this king well knew the power of prayer. He understood that it would be God’s powerful hand that would triumph over their enemies. And it was to this mighty God of Israel that David looked for victory.
Perhaps you are facing a time of distress in your life. Life seems to be coming against you from every side. Disappointments, rejections, defeats are piling up. You may feel that you are not up for the battle. You are hoping that a breakthrough will come soon… and victory will at last be yours.
Yet we must ask ourselves… in whom or in what are we trusting for victory in our lives?
Today, Jesus is our King of Kings… name above all names. He has taken up His messianic role as King on His heavenly throne. He is the Victorious One who reigns forever over the kingdom of God with all power and glory. It is to Him we look for victory in our lives.
“May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble; may the name of the God of Jacob defend you.” – Psalm 20:1
Our Lord desires that we cry to Him in our distress. We are not to live a defeated life, wallowing in our troubles… languishing in our sorrows. For this can lead to self-pity and a feeling of futility. Pent-up anger can result in dejection and a sense of hopelessness.
The power of heaven is our inheritance as believers. We call on the name of the King of Kings to protect and defend us. The name of Jesus carries all power. For it is backed by His mighty and unchanging character… His omnipotence and absolute supremacy over all. His name causes all evil to tremble and flee. His name breaks through the darkness in our lives.
“May He send you help from the sanctuary and strengthen you out of Zion. May He remember all your offerings, and accept your burnt sacrifice.” – v. 2-3
Jesus Christ is seated on His heavenly throne at the right hand of the Father. Our unity with Christ as believers places us in the heavenly realms with Him… today spiritually… one day physically (Ephesians 2:6). This is our promise and inheritance as Christians.
The power to live the victorious life is from heaven. It is to the Almighty One we direct our prayers. It is from Him we seek help and strength to carry on. Our sacrifice is our life given humbly and reverently as a fragrant offering to Him.
“May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, and fulfill all your purpose.” – v. 4
Our Lord answers our prayers and our heart’s desires according to His divine wisdom and omniscience. He has a purpose and plan for our lives above and beyond what we can ever know. The closer our walk with Him, the more our hopes and dreams will align with His… the more our lives will blossom within His perfect will.
“May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your requests.” – v. 5
Our Rock, the Cornerstone of our lives, is the One whom we praise for our victory… before it happens. For faith is being certain of what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1). We are not merely wishing for the impossible… we are looking to the God of the impossible. Our banners are lifted high to Him as our Defender, trusting in His unfailing faithfulness.
“Now this I know: The Lord gives victory to his anointed. He answers him from His heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of His right hand.” – v. 6
Believers are the ones whom Christ has anointed and set apart from the world unto Himself. Jesus will answer from heaven, wielding His invincible power on our behalf when we ask in His name. Perhaps the answer is not what we anticipated… or in the way we expected or even hoped. Yet He promises us His assured victory for our eternal best.
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.” – v. 7-8
Our mighty Lord will contend for those He loves (Isaiah 49:25). Yet our trust must be in Him alone… not in worldly people, possessions or powers… nor in ourselves. In Jesus’ name, we have confidence to rise above evil… to stand firm in the face of trouble. He will fight for us. He will vindicate us and see justice done. He will lead us to victory.
“Save, Lord! May the King answer us when we call.” – v. 9
King Jesus is our strength, our might, our glory. We seek His face always in prayer, not just in times of trouble. For we know He will hear and answer. In Him, we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37). A defeated life turns victorious in Christ. In His name, name above all names, we triumph.
Psalm 20 personalized as a prayer for victory…
Lord, You reign supreme as King of Kings in my life. In this time of trouble, I call to You, knowing that You hear and answer. In Your mighty name, I ask You to protect and defend me. Dispel the darkness and evil coming against me by Your great power. My life is a living sacrifice to you. Lead me into Your divine purpose and plan. Keep me ever in the center of Your will. Thank you that I am Your anointed one living in Your favor. I lift up praise to You, the Victorious One, for the mighty work You will do on my behalf. I trust in You alone and in the power of Your name. Strengthen me to stand firm in my faith. Lead me to victory by Your power and for Your glory. Amen.
