Getting God's Ear

18/10/2020 12:37

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Date: 13 October, 2020

Text: Psalm 86

Title: Getting God's Ear

 

Introduction:

 

 ill. Have you ever met someone famous? We have enjoyed attending the Dunhill Links Golf Championship. We've enjoyed very brief encounters with some great golfers.

- Rory Mcllroy

- Graham McDonnald

- Vice President Dan Quale

- Oscar Pistorious (now infamous) and Michael Phelps

These are not people whom we regularly come into contact. They are not close personal friends. 

exp. If I felt that I had a need to speak with them - IT WOULD BE HIGHLY UNLIKELY THAT I COULD GET THEIR EAR.

 

Note: There are many reasons why we can't get the ear of just anyone with whom we wish to speak.

They are unique - only one of them in the world. (Almost 8 billion people.)

They are powerful.

ill. Not many of us personally know Queen Elizabeth or Prince Charles or Prince William. 

exp. These earthly sovereigns live in pallaces and castles.

They are famous. 

exp. If they arrive somewhere there is a crowd clamouring for their attention. I always appreciate the golfers who took the time to give everyone an autograph. (Padraig Harrington would - Ernie Els would more likely skip out of the line.)

 app. We understand that we don't deserve to get their ear - because of those very things - THEY ARE UNIQUE (ONLY ONE), THEY ARE POWERFUL (LIKE THE QUEEN), THEY ARE FAMOUS (EVERYONE WANTS THEIR ATTENTION.

 

text: Psalm 86 is a Psalm where DAVID GETS THE EAR OF GOD. This immense privilige is given despite the fact that God is unique, God is powerful and God is famous.

 

God is unique:

8  Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works. (v.10 Thou art God alone.)

 ill. Paul at Mar's Hill comes to my mind as I think about this. They had all their gods, but missed the one true God.

Acts 17:16  Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.

23  For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.

 exp. They had 1,000's of idols - but though there were so many 

- none of them was like unto God. 

- none of them had done anything, let alone anything like God.

app. God is completely unique in his Godhead. How can we expect to get audience with the One true God.

God is famous:

9  All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name.

 exp. Unlike Queen Elizabeth, our monarch and figurehead, the entire world of all ages is going to bow the knee and worship Jesus. HE IS ALL POWERFUL, HOLY GOD AND OUR SAVIOUR.

 app. How can we expect to be heard by such an awesome God?

God is powerful:

10  For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.

exp. The power of God's creation is fearful - Volcanoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, lightning, floods.... not to mention His creative power - gravity, galaxies, the Sun and moon....

 app. How can we expect such a powerful being to give us audience.

 

 exp. And yet, David in our text fully expected God to hear him. 

17  Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me.

 

note: This Psalm is interesting in that as David prays David states why He expects God to hear.

 

My message this morning - GETTING GOD'S EAR.

 

We need to get the ear of God. (We've got problems, concerns, worries, needs....) 

exp. The only real hope we have is that we can take these things to God and that God will listen. 

 

question: Do you have a Bible reason *like Davids, as to why you expect God to hear you?

 

PRAYER

 

GETTING GOD'S EAR - We need to get the ear of God.

 

I. You need humility to get God's ear.

1  Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I am poor and needy.

exp. David's statement is very bold. "Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me:

 ill. Have you ever made a bold statement and then waited to see what was going to happen next? BAT IN MY ROOM - My dad got a tennis racket - I said, "Dont' you dare!" My mom couldn't believe I said that to my dad and lived to tell about it. 

 exp. That was a bold statement. You had better be careful about bold statements to an authority.

 note: David made a bold statement to the greatest authority and yet David received what he desired because of his humility.

 app. We need humility to get God's ear.

A. Humbly understand your position. David prayed - "Bow down thine ear...."

 exp. David was FAMOUS. He was king. But, at the throne of God, he was way below the King of Kings. (Psalm 138:6  Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.)

 ill. God is high above us. (Isaiah's vision) Isa 6:1  In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.

 ill. As a parent you may find yourself saying to a child, "We are not equals. I am mum. I am dad.) That statement is necessary to help the child humbly understand their position.

app. Do you know your position when you go to God? Humility realizes that God must come way down to hear us. (transition - Humbly understand your position....poverty.)

B. Humbly understand your poverty. ...for I am poor....

exp. Wait a second - David was RICH. He was king. But, at the throne of God, he had nothing with which to purchase God's blessing.

 note: This word is part of a phrase - "poor and needy" - found in the OT. (17 times)

Psa 72:13  He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.

Psa 74:21  O let not the oppressed return ashamed: let the poor and needy praise thy name.

Psa 82:4  Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.

 exp. David was unashamed to put this title of humility upon himself - Psa 40:17  But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.

Psa 70:5  But I am poor and needy: make haste unto me, O God: thou art my help and my deliverer; O LORD, make no tarrying.

 ill. Last year I spoke with a man who is a career beggar on North Bridge in Edinburgh. I asked him how his morning was going and he proudly said, "It's been a slow morning. I've only gotten twenty pounds in the last couple of hours. I normally get.... by this time." It is hard to be sympathetic with a proud beggar who feels entitled to put his hand into other's pockets.

 app. God's sympathy is not to those proud who think they are entitled to His resources. But His resources are available for those who understand with humility their own poverty.

C. Humbly understand your dependency. ...for I am... needy.

exp. David was POWERFUL. He was king. But, at the throne of God, David acknowledged his complete dependence upon God.(Not on his fighting skill, military might, or weaponry.)

 note: Pride in contrast is man attempting to go through life without God.

- I don't need God's righteousness.

- I don't need God's provision.

- I don't need God's help.

 ill. Like a child who get's upset and says, "I can do it on my own." They proudly cast aside God's assistance.

 exp. David understood that without God - He wasn't going to get it done. He was needy.

 app. If we want God's help, we ought to embrace what God regards and that is humility. "I need God's help."

transition: You need humility to get God's ear.

(Humbly understand our position, poverty and dependence.)

 

II. You need godliness to get God's ear.

2  Preserve my soul; for I am holy: 

exp. David's prayer is for God to preserve his life. (Soul - has to do with the principle of life, a breathing creature.)

ill. Similarly David prayed in....

Psalm 64:1  Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the enemy.

 note: David's argument as to why God should do this is, "FOR I AM HOLY."

 def. holy - godly, genuinely pious

 exp. David was a truly righteous man.

principle: We will not get God's ear if we are ungodly.

 ill. In my evangelism - meet some people that say - I tried to believe in God - I had a real need and prayed and God didn't meet my need - so I don't believe in God.

note: God in His mercy may intervene even in the life of an ungodly man.

HOWEVER - God actively protects and preserves the life of a righteous man.

 ill. Job, God's righteous servant - always had a hedge of protection around him.

Job 1:7  And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.

8  And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?

9  Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?

10  Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.

11  But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.

12  And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.

exp. God took down some of the hedge, but even when boils cover Job, God had a hedge around Job's life. We can trust God as to His wisdom regarding the size of the hedge.

 note: David understood that a righteous person correctly expects God to preserve them. 

1 Samuel 2:9  He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.

Psalm 97:10  Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.

2Ch 16:9  For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.

exp. Because of that understanding that God will help the righteous - David knows he's got the ear of God listening to his prayer. 

PRESERVE MY SOUL FOR I AM HOLY.

 app. Do you rightly expect God to preserve our soul - because you are a godly person. (Saved, Sanctified and Serving?)

transition: You need humility to get God's ear.

(Humbly understand our position, poverty and dependence.)

      You need godliness to get God's ear.

 

III. You need faith to get God's ear.

O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee.

A. You need faith for salvation.

 exp. David was a righteous man because David trusted God.

 ill. OT saints were saved by faith in the coming Messiah as we are saved by faith in the Messiah who came. ABRAHAM 

Rom 4:3  For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

Gal 3:6  Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.

Jas 2:23  And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

exp. You get God's ear the first time, when you call upon Him by faith in Jesus for salvation.

Ephesians 2:8  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:9  Not of works, lest any man should boast.

 ill. I'm amazed at times how long it takes to switch telephone providers. It's ok if you are just switching but it is tough if you are waiting for your initial set up. (You could be three weeks with no ability to phone until that line is connected.

 app. Salvation is what connects us with the phone line to Heaven. (Praise God there it is immediate.) But, you still have to pick up the phone by faith after you get saved.

B. You need faith after salvation.

2Co 5:7  (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

 exp. David could have complained that God wasn't meeting His needs. INSTEAD he expected that God would hear him and meet his needs because he was TRUSTING GOD TO DO SO.

Heb 11:6  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

 question: When you pray are you confident that God has heard you? Do you also believe that He will meet your need?

1Jn 5:15  And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

 ill. Pensacola Christian College - Their Dining Hall is like a food court at a mall. 

- You pay before entering. 

- There are signs up that promise what you can get. 

- They ask you as you go up, "What would you like?" You say - "May I please have....." and you get it.

 exp. You expect to get it. It's paid for before you enter. It's obvious others have been given it. You ask in faith and you receive it.

 app. Everything we need was purchased by Jesus. We are promised that we can have our every need supplied. Do you in faith approach God to see Him meet your needs according to His promises. Phillippians 4:19  But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Matthew 7:7-8  Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

transition: You need humility to get God's ear.

(Humbly understand our position, poverty and dependence.)

      You need godliness to get God's ear.

      You need faith to get God's ear.

 

IV. You need importunity to get God's ear.

3  Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily.

 exp. David's prayer -  Give me mercy O Jehovah because YOU HAVE SEEN THAT I'm not going to give up seeking your mercy.

exp. We saw in Hebrews 11:6 that "God is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." God loves importunity.

 def. importunity: persistence, especially to the point of annoyance.

 note: David was asking in faith - but that did not mean that David only asked one time.

 ill. Parents - you have probably experienced this - a child who asks over and over again to buy something or go somewhere and you finally say - I'm going to do this - because if I don't - I'll have continual interruptions. 

 ill. Luke 11: 5  And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves;

6  For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?

7  And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.

8  I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.

9  And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

10  For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

 app. Have you given up praying about something because you asked in faith and God didn't answer? Is it important? Do you have reason to believe that God should answer it? If you want God's ear - don't easily give up on asking God to intervene. (God hears importunity.)

transition: You need humility to get God's ear.

(Humbly understand our position, poverty and dependence.)

      You need godliness to get God's ear.

      You need faith to get God's ear.

      You need importunity to get God's ear.

 

V. You need relationship to get God's ear.

4  Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.

 note: His prayer here is for God to rejoice the soul of HIS SERVANT.

 exp. David was not praying to God. David was praying to HIS GOD.

 ill. David is the author of Psalm 23.That Psalm demonstrates the close relationship between man and God.

v.1 - my shepherd

v.2 - he maketh me, he leadeth me

v.3 - he restoreth my soul, He leadeth me

v.4 - thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me

v.5 - thou preparest a table before me, thou annointest my head

v.6 - I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

 exp. Because of that relationship - David had God's ear.

 ill. Jesus Sermon on the Mount - Matthew 7:9  Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? 10  Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11  If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

 exp. We just went on some really long trips as a family. We spent hours in the car. Mac's most frequent words were probably, "What can I do?" and "What is there to eat?" Katie wisely had a large snack bucket that was frequently opened.

 note: There were no stones or snakes in the snack bucket. (We saw a lot of snakes in IA, but none of them made it into the snack bucket.) Why? Because parents give good things to their kids.

 exp. The point is - God gives good things to His own when they ask Him.

 app. If you are a child of God, God will honour that relationship. He will listen to His children.

transition: You need humility to get God's ear.

(Humbly understand our position, poverty and dependence.)

      You need godliness to get God's ear.

      You need faith to get God's ear.

      You need importunity to get God's ear.

      You need relationship to get God's ear.

 

VI. You need sincerity to get God's ear.

  exp. David had a correct view of God and a correct view of self when he prayed. In that way, there was sincerity in the heart of David when he came before God.

A. Sincerity in understanding that God alone is good.

5  For thou, Lord, art good, 

 ill. It is humerous to ask people, "Are you a good person?" Every person wants to say that they are good. But, then you ask, "Do you lie? Are liars good people? Do you lust? Are lustful people good people? Do you hate? Are hateful people good people.

exp. There are many NICE people in this world (even in prisons) but there are no good people.

Luke 18:19  And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.

 exp. Jesus did not refute what the man has said, "He just explained that only God was good." 

 app. Sincerity understands that God alone is without sin.

B. Sincerity in dealing with our sin.

...and ready to forgive; 

exp. He is ready to forgive - and boy do we need God's forgiveness. There is insincerity in our lives if we think that we don't need God's forgiveness.

 ill. The classic example given by Jesus in God's Word - the pharisee.

Luke 18:11  The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

 note: He seems to have forgotten - James 2:10  For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.

 exp. If you break a link on the chain - the chain is broken.

 app. Sincerity understands that we have broken God's law.

C. Sincerity in understanding our need for God's mercy.

....and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.

 exp. David: "God you are merciful to all," sincerely acknowledging his need for God's mercy.

 ill. In contrast with the Pharisee - Jesus spoke about a thieving tax collector.

Luke 18:13  And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

14  I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

 app. Do you want God's ear when you pray? Come understanding your continual need for God's mercy and forgiveness.

transition: You need humility to get God's ear.

(Humbly understand our position, poverty and dependence.)

      You need godliness to get God's ear.

      You need faith to get God's ear.

      You need importunity to get God's ear.

      You need relationship to get God's ear.

      You need sincerity to get God's ear.

 

VII. You need activity to get God's ear. (Pick up the phone and dial your heart to God.)

6  Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications.

7  In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me.

exp. David's prayer - Listen to my prayer because I have dialed up Heaven.

"my prayer, voice of my supplication, I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me."

 principle: God will hear me when I enter into the activity of prayer.

 ill. Communication is central to good relationships.

- Understand one another - Know one another - talk through problems - laugh and sorrow together - unite together - without good communication relationships break down.

 question: How good is your relationship with God? Do you listen to Him? Do you talk to Him?

Jas 4:2  ... ye have not, because ye ask not.

 

conclusion: DAVID REALLY WANTED THE EAR OF GOD AND DAVID KNEW THAT HE HAD IT.

17  Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me.

 

WE NEED TO GET GOD'S EAR. DO YOU KNOW THAT YOU HAVE THE EAR OF GOD?

      You need humility to get God's ear.

(Humbly understand our position, poverty and dependence.)

      You need godliness to get God's ear.

      You need faith to get God's ear.

      You need importunity to get God's ear.

      You need relationship to get God's ear.

      You need sincerity to get God's ear. (a sinner in need of forgiveness and mercy.)

      You need activity to get God's ear.

Date: 13 October, 2020
Text: Psalm 86
Title: Getting God's Ear
 
Introduction:
 
 ill. Have you ever met someone famous? We have enjoyed attending the Dunhill Links Golf Championship. We've enjoyed very brief encounters with some great golfers.
- Rory Mcllroy
- Graham McDonnald
- Vice President Dan Quale
- Oscar Pistorious (now infamous) and Michael Phelps
These are not people whom we regularly come into contact. They are not close personal friends. 
exp. If I felt that I had a need to speak with them - IT WOULD BE HIGHLY UNLIKELY THAT I COULD GET THEIR EAR.
 
Note: There are many reasons why we can't get the ear of just anyone with whom we wish to speak.
They are unique - only one of them in the world. (Almost 8 billion people.)
They are powerful.
ill. Not many of us personally know Queen Elizabeth or Prince Charles or Prince William. 
exp. These earthly sovereigns live in pallaces and castles.
They are famous. 
exp. If they arrive somewhere there is a crowd clamouring for their attention. I always appreciate the golfers who took the time to give everyone an autograph. (Padraig Harrington would - Ernie Els would more likely skip out of the line.)
 app. We understand that we don't deserve to get their ear - because of those very things - THEY ARE UNIQUE (ONLY ONE), THEY ARE POWERFUL (LIKE THE QUEEN), THEY ARE FAMOUS (EVERYONE WANTS THEIR ATTENTION.
 
text: Psalm 86 is a Psalm where DAVID GETS THE EAR OF GOD. This immense privilige is given despite the fact that God is unique, God is powerful and God is famous.
 
God is unique:
8  Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works. (v.10 Thou art God alone.)
 ill. Paul at Mar's Hill comes to my mind as I think about this. They had all their gods, but missed the one true God.
Acts 17:16  Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.
23  For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.
 exp. They had 1,000's of idols - but though there were so many 
- none of them was like unto God. 
- none of them had done anything, let alone anything like God.
app. God is completely unique in his Godhead. How can we expect to get audience with the One true God.
God is famous:
9  All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name.
 exp. Unlike Queen Elizabeth, our monarch and figurehead, the entire world of all ages is going to bow the knee and worship Jesus. HE IS ALL POWERFUL, HOLY GOD AND OUR SAVIOUR.
 app. How can we expect to be heard by such an awesome God?
God is powerful:
10  For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.
exp. The power of God's creation is fearful - Volcanoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, lightning, floods.... not to mention His creative power - gravity, galaxies, the Sun and moon....
 app. How can we expect such a powerful being to give us audience.
 
 exp. And yet, David in our text fully expected God to hear him. 
17  Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me.
 
note: This Psalm is interesting in that as David prays David states why He expects God to hear.
 
My message this morning - GETTING GOD'S EAR.
 
We need to get the ear of God. (We've got problems, concerns, worries, needs....) 
exp. The only real hope we have is that we can take these things to God and that God will listen. 
 
question: Do you have a Bible reason *like Davids, as to why you expect God to hear you?
 
PRAYER
 
GETTING GOD'S EAR - We need to get the ear of God.
 
I. You need humility to get God's ear.
1  Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I am poor and needy.
exp. David's statement is very bold. "Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me:
 ill. Have you ever made a bold statement and then waited to see what was going to happen next? BAT IN MY ROOM - My dad got a tennis racket - I said, "Dont' you dare!" My mom couldn't believe I said that to my dad and lived to tell about it. 
 exp. That was a bold statement. You had better be careful about bold statements to an authority.
 note: David made a bold statement to the greatest authority and yet David received what he desired because of his humility.
 app. We need humility to get God's ear.
A. Humbly understand your position. David prayed - "Bow down thine ear...."
 exp. David was FAMOUS. He was king. But, at the throne of God, he was way below the King of Kings. (Psalm 138:6  Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.)
 ill. God is high above us. (Isaiah's vision) Isa 6:1  In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.
 ill. As a parent you may find yourself saying to a child, "We are not equals. I am mum. I am dad.) That statement is necessary to help the child humbly understand their position.
app. Do you know your position when you go to God? Humility realizes that God must come way down to hear us. (transition - Humbly understand your position....poverty.)
B. Humbly understand your poverty. ...for I am poor....
exp. Wait a second - David was RICH. He was king. But, at the throne of God, he had nothing with which to purchase God's blessing.
 note: This word is part of a phrase - "poor and needy" - found in the OT. (17 times)
Psa 72:13  He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.
Psa 74:21  O let not the oppressed return ashamed: let the poor and needy praise thy name.
Psa 82:4  Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.
 exp. David was unashamed to put this title of humility upon himself - Psa 40:17  But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.
Psa 70:5  But I am poor and needy: make haste unto me, O God: thou art my help and my deliverer; O LORD, make no tarrying.
 ill. Last year I spoke with a man who is a career beggar on North Bridge in Edinburgh. I asked him how his morning was going and he proudly said, "It's been a slow morning. I've only gotten twenty pounds in the last couple of hours. I normally get.... by this time." It is hard to be sympathetic with a proud beggar who feels entitled to put his hand into other's pockets.
 app. God's sympathy is not to those proud who think they are entitled to His resources. But His resources are available for those who understand with humility their own poverty.
C. Humbly understand your dependency. ...for I am... needy.
exp. David was POWERFUL. He was king. But, at the throne of God, David acknowledged his complete dependence upon God.(Not on his fighting skill, military might, or weaponry.)
 note: Pride in contrast is man attempting to go through life without God.
- I don't need God's righteousness.
- I don't need God's provision.
- I don't need God's help.
 ill. Like a child who get's upset and says, "I can do it on my own." They proudly cast aside God's assistance.
 exp. David understood that without God - He wasn't going to get it done. He was needy.
 app. If we want God's help, we ought to embrace what God regards and that is humility. "I need God's help."
transition: You need humility to get God's ear.
(Humbly understand our position, poverty and dependence.)
 
II. You need godliness to get God's ear.
2  Preserve my soul; for I am holy: 
exp. David's prayer is for God to preserve his life. (Soul - has to do with the principle of life, a breathing creature.)
ill. Similarly David prayed in....
Psalm 64:1  Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the enemy.
 note: David's argument as to why God should do this is, "FOR I AM HOLY."
 def. holy - godly, genuinely pious
 exp. David was a truly righteous man.
principle: We will not get God's ear if we are ungodly.
 ill. In my evangelism - meet some people that say - I tried to believe in God - I had a real need and prayed and God didn't meet my need - so I don't believe in God.
note: God in His mercy may intervene even in the life of an ungodly man.
HOWEVER - God actively protects and preserves the life of a righteous man.
 ill. Job, God's righteous servant - always had a hedge of protection around him.
Job 1:7  And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.
8  And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?
9  Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?
10  Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.
11  But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.
12  And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.
exp. God took down some of the hedge, but even when boils cover Job, God had a hedge around Job's life. We can trust God as to His wisdom regarding the size of the hedge.
 note: David understood that a righteous person correctly expects God to preserve them. 
1 Samuel 2:9  He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.
Psalm 97:10  Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.
2Ch 16:9  For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.
exp. Because of that understanding that God will help the righteous - David knows he's got the ear of God listening to his prayer. 
PRESERVE MY SOUL FOR I AM HOLY.
 app. Do you rightly expect God to preserve our soul - because you are a godly person. (Saved, Sanctified and Serving?)
transition: You need humility to get God's ear.
(Humbly understand our position, poverty and dependence.)
      You need godliness to get God's ear.
 
III. You need faith to get God's ear.
O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee.
A. You need faith for salvation.
 exp. David was a righteous man because David trusted God.
 ill. OT saints were saved by faith in the coming Messiah as we are saved by faith in the Messiah who came. ABRAHAM 
Rom 4:3  For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
Gal 3:6  Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
Jas 2:23  And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
exp. You get God's ear the first time, when you call upon Him by faith in Jesus for salvation.
Ephesians 2:8  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:9  Not of works, lest any man should boast.
 ill. I'm amazed at times how long it takes to switch telephone providers. It's ok if you are just switching but it is tough if you are waiting for your initial set up. (You could be three weeks with no ability to phone until that line is connected.
 app. Salvation is what connects us with the phone line to Heaven. (Praise God there it is immediate.) But, you still have to pick up the phone by faith after you get saved.
B. You need faith after salvation.
2Co 5:7  (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
 exp. David could have complained that God wasn't meeting His needs. INSTEAD he expected that God would hear him and meet his needs because he was TRUSTING GOD TO DO SO.
Heb 11:6  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
 question: When you pray are you confident that God has heard you? Do you also believe that He will meet your need?
1Jn 5:15  And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
 ill. Pensacola Christian College - Their Dining Hall is like a food court at a mall. 
- You pay before entering. 
- There are signs up that promise what you can get. 
- They ask you as you go up, "What would you like?" You say - "May I please have....." and you get it.
 exp. You expect to get it. It's paid for before you enter. It's obvious others have been given it. You ask in faith and you receive it.
 app. Everything we need was purchased by Jesus. We are promised that we can have our every need supplied. Do you in faith approach God to see Him meet your needs according to His promises. Phillippians 4:19  But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Matthew 7:7-8  Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
transition: You need humility to get God's ear.
(Humbly understand our position, poverty and dependence.)
      You need godliness to get God's ear.
      You need faith to get God's ear.
 
IV. You need importunity to get God's ear.
3  Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily.
 exp. David's prayer -  Give me mercy O Jehovah because YOU HAVE SEEN THAT I'm not going to give up seeking your mercy.
exp. We saw in Hebrews 11:6 that "God is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." God loves importunity.
 def. importunity: persistence, especially to the point of annoyance.
 note: David was asking in faith - but that did not mean that David only asked one time.
 ill. Parents - you have probably experienced this - a child who asks over and over again to buy something or go somewhere and you finally say - I'm going to do this - because if I don't - I'll have continual interruptions. 
 ill. Luke 11: 5  And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves;
6  For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?
7  And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.
8  I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.
9  And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
10  For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
 app. Have you given up praying about something because you asked in faith and God didn't answer? Is it important? Do you have reason to believe that God should answer it? If you want God's ear - don't easily give up on asking God to intervene. (God hears importunity.)
transition: You need humility to get God's ear.
(Humbly understand our position, poverty and dependence.)
      You need godliness to get God's ear.
      You need faith to get God's ear.
      You need importunity to get God's ear.
 
V. You need relationship to get God's ear.
4  Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
 note: His prayer here is for God to rejoice the soul of HIS SERVANT.
 exp. David was not praying to God. David was praying to HIS GOD.
 ill. David is the author of Psalm 23.That Psalm demonstrates the close relationship between man and God.
v.1 - my shepherd
v.2 - he maketh me, he leadeth me
v.3 - he restoreth my soul, He leadeth me
v.4 - thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me
v.5 - thou preparest a table before me, thou annointest my head
v.6 - I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
 exp. Because of that relationship - David had God's ear.
 ill. Jesus Sermon on the Mount - Matthew 7:9  Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? 10  Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11  If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
 exp. We just went on some really long trips as a family. We spent hours in the car. Mac's most frequent words were probably, "What can I do?" and "What is there to eat?" Katie wisely had a large snack bucket that was frequently opened.
 note: There were no stones or snakes in the snack bucket. (We saw a lot of snakes in IA, but none of them made it into the snack bucket.) Why? Because parents give good things to their kids.
 exp. The point is - God gives good things to His own when they ask Him.
 app. If you are a child of God, God will honour that relationship. He will listen to His children.
transition: You need humility to get God's ear.
(Humbly understand our position, poverty and dependence.)
      You need godliness to get God's ear.
      You need faith to get God's ear.
      You need importunity to get God's ear.
      You need relationship to get God's ear.
 
VI. You need sincerity to get God's ear.
  exp. David had a correct view of God and a correct view of self when he prayed. In that way, there was sincerity in the heart of David when he came before God.
A. Sincerity in understanding that God alone is good.
5  For thou, Lord, art good, 
 ill. It is humerous to ask people, "Are you a good person?" Every person wants to say that they are good. But, then you ask, "Do you lie? Are liars good people? Do you lust? Are lustful people good people? Do you hate? Are hateful people good people.
exp. There are many NICE people in this world (even in prisons) but there are no good people.
Luke 18:19  And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.
 exp. Jesus did not refute what the man has said, "He just explained that only God was good." 
 app. Sincerity understands that God alone is without sin.
B. Sincerity in dealing with our sin.
...and ready to forgive; 
exp. He is ready to forgive - and boy do we need God's forgiveness. There is insincerity in our lives if we think that we don't need God's forgiveness.
 ill. The classic example given by Jesus in God's Word - the pharisee.
Luke 18:11  The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
 note: He seems to have forgotten - James 2:10  For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
 exp. If you break a link on the chain - the chain is broken.
 app. Sincerity understands that we have broken God's law.
C. Sincerity in understanding our need for God's mercy.
....and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
 exp. David: "God you are merciful to all," sincerely acknowledging his need for God's mercy.
 ill. In contrast with the Pharisee - Jesus spoke about a thieving tax collector.
Luke 18:13  And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
14  I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
 app. Do you want God's ear when you pray? Come understanding your continual need for God's mercy and forgiveness.
transition: You need humility to get God's ear.
(Humbly understand our position, poverty and dependence.)
      You need godliness to get God's ear.
      You need faith to get God's ear.
      You need importunity to get God's ear.
      You need relationship to get God's ear.
      You need sincerity to get God's ear.
 
VII. You need activity to get God's ear. (Pick up the phone and dial your heart to God.)
6  Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications.
7  In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me.
exp. David's prayer - Listen to my prayer because I have dialed up Heaven.
"my prayer, voice of my supplication, I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me."
 principle: God will hear me when I enter into the activity of prayer.
 ill. Communication is central to good relationships.
- Understand one another - Know one another - talk through problems - laugh and sorrow together - unite together - without good communication relationships break down.
 question: How good is your relationship with God? Do you listen to Him? Do you talk to Him?
Jas 4:2  ... ye have not, because ye ask not.
 
conclusion: DAVID REALLY WANTED THE EAR OF GOD AND DAVID KNEW THAT HE HAD IT.
17  Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me.
 
WE NEED TO GET GOD'S EAR. DO YOU KNOW THAT YOU HAVE THE EAR OF GOD?
      You need humility to get God's ear.
(Humbly understand our position, poverty and dependence.)
      You need godliness to get God's ear.
      You need faith to get God's ear.
      You need importunity to get God's ear.
      You need relationship to get God's ear.
      You need sincerity to get God's ear. (a sinner in need of forgiveness and mercy.)
      You need activity to get God's ear.
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