"Unto thee will I cry, O LORD my rock; be not silent to me: lest, if thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit. Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle. Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief is in their hearts. Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their endeavours: give them after the work of their hands; render to them their desert. Because they regard not the works of the LORD, nor the operation of his hands, he shall destroy them, and not build them up. Blessed be the LORD, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. The LORD is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed. Save thy people, and bless thine inheritance: feed them also, and lift them up for ever." (Psalm 28:1-9)

 

          Psalm 28 is a picture of David facing impending distress. What do you do when troubles come? Troubles provide an opportunity for us to demonstrate our confidence in God. David prayed to God and expressed his gratitude for blessings from the hand of God. In his prayer David expressed complete dependence upon the Lord. He felt that unless God intervened his enemies would take him down to the pit or the grave. His only hope for deliverance and help was God.

 

          David lifted up his hands in prayer showing his complete dependence upon God. David asked God to (1) Listen to his prayer and his cry for help, (2)  Not draw him away with cruel people who speak kind words, while planning him harm, and (3) To treat them as they deserve, punishing them for their sins. The evil people paid no attention to God's wonderful deeds, but in contrast to them David praised the Lord for answering his prayers. The Lord was David's source of strength and defense. He said, "You save and protect your chosen ones." David's final request was, "Come save us and bless us. Be our shepherd and always carry us in your arms."

 

          David's need for God's help -- Psalm 28:1-2: David called God his "Rock." God is an immovable Rock of faithfulness, righteousness, and love. David looked upon God as his Father, His God and the Rock of his salvation. God is also the source of our help. There is no reason to turn to any other. David depended upon God in his times of trouble. We pray better when we realize our helplessness and God's power to help and His greatness. David called upon God for mercy and help. 

 

          David's prayer concerning the wicked -- Psalm 28:3-5: David knew that the wicked would eventually be punished. The justice of God demands that sin receive just punishment. David does not want to be "dragged" away in the same net as "the wicked." The wicked had no respect for God's law. They were hypocrites. David prayed, "Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their endeavours: give them after the work of their hands; render to them their desert. Because they regard not the works of the LORD, nor the operation of his hands, he shall destroy them, and not build them up." (Psalm 28:4-5) God will tear the wicked down and never build them up again. People disobey because of a lack of faith in God or a lack or appreciation for His works.

 

          David's prayer was answered -- Psalm 28:6-9: This Psalm started with lamentation and ended with joy because God had answered David's prayer. David said, "He has heard my cry for mercy." He praised God as his "strength and shield." He promised to thank God in song for answering his prayer. "My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song." God is not only the strength of David He is the strength of His people. He is also our strength today. David closed the psalm by praying for all people. "Save Your people and bless Your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever." We depend upon God for everything. He is our Shepherd and He will carry us.

 

          Our heart must rely on God. Let us confidently lean upon Him. He will help His people. Are you His child? To become a Christian you must hear the gospel (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus as the Christ (Mark 16:16), repent of all sins (Acts 17:30), confess Christ as Lord (Romans 10:9-10), and be baptized for remission of sins. (Acts 2:38) After baptism remain faithful to God. (Revelation 2:10) Heaven is too glorious to miss.