Famous Couples

In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning

I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.

Psalm 5:3

If I ask you to name a famous couple, who would come to mind? We all know many famous couples from history, legend, literature, or Hollywood: Cleopatra and Mark Antony, Elizabeth Bennett and Darcy, Ronald and Nancy Reagan, Tarzan and Jane… The list goes on.

Perhaps you thought of a famous couple from the Bible. My focus this week will be famous couples from the Bible, but not familiar couples, such as Adam and Eve or Mary and Joseph. Instead, let me introduce you to our couple for today: Prayer and Expectation.

David wrote Psalm 5 when he was in need of help. His enemies were coming against him. They were speaking lies about him and were determined to destroy him. And so, David did what appears to be his habit—he rose in the morning and prayed. He prayed specifically, asking God for help, guidance, and protection. Then he waited in expectation.

Prayer and expectation go together! David could pray expectantly because his prayer was based on God’s promise. God had promised that David would be king. David believed God’s Word and prayed accordingly. Then he watched and waited for God’s answer.

What are lessons we can learn from David’s example? Lesson 1: Begin your day with prayer. Perhaps like David you are in a difficult situation. Begin your day by voicing your dependence upon God.

Lesson 2: Pray specifically with petitions based upon God’s Word. What has God promised us? He hasn’t promised that our difficulties will be removed, but He has promised His peace, wisdom, strength, guidance, spiritual protection, etc.

Lesson 3: Wait in expectation. Believer, if your prayers are in line with God’s will, you can pray expectantly. You can ask of God with confidence and then move forward in faith watching for the answer and trusting God’s perfect timing.

Lord, help me pray according to Your will with great expectation.

Jan Burkhart