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Psalm 74:18-23  

Remember how the enemy has mocked you, LORD, how foolish people have reviled your name. Do not hand over the life of your dove to wild beasts; do not forget the lives of your afflicted people forever. Have regard for your covenant, because haunts of violence fill the dark places of the land. Do not let the oppressed retreat in disgrace; may the poor and needy praise your name. Rise up, O God, and defend your cause; remember how fools mock you all day long. Do not ignore the clamor of your adversaries, the uproar of your enemies, which rises continually.

In the first part of this psalm (vs.1-11), Asaph described the hardship that Israel had experienced and asked, “Why?” Then he took a deep breath and reviewed God’s work in the past (vs.12-17). That gave him confidence for the present challenges. Now, in this final section, he put his request before God.

Asaph asked God to come to the rescue. He pleaded with God to “Rise up…and defend your cause.” He prayed that God would not forget His people or His covenant with them. Asaph asked that God work is such a powerful way that “the poor and needy praise your name.”

We never have to be general about our requests as in “God please bless the world.” God desires specifics. Specifics allow Him to demonstrate His work in memorable ways. When God delivers there are no coincidences. His divine fingerprints are all over the answers to our prayers.

 Father, I know You hear and answer my prayers because You have answered them so many times in the past. And here I am again today, in great need of You. Reach down, meet me here and then take me to where You want me to be. In Jesus’ name. Amen.