Alan Fong
3 min read
Alan Fong
3 min read
Alan Fong
3 min read
From the Horns of the Unicorns
Today’s Verse:
Save me from the lion's mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns. ~Psalm 22:21
Psalm 22 is a Messianic psalm. This psalm prophesies of the suffering of our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross. Some have referred to this as "the Good Shepherd Psalm." Jesus said, “The good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” This psalm also teaches us how God delivers us when we are in serious trouble and feel like we have nowhere to turn. Let us see lessons from horns of the unicorns.
We see the anguish.
David describes his anguish with two powerful descriptions. The first is being near the lion’s mouth. Satan is pictured as a roaring lion who walks about, seeking whom he may devour. He seeks the young, the helpless, the disabled, and the loner. Once the lion can clamp his teeth and powerful jaws on his prey’s throat, it is finished. David is trying to stay out of the lion’s mouth. The second description is that of a now-extinct animal. The word unicorn refers to a strong, buffalo-type animal. It uses its horns to push or gore its prey. So, David is in anguish. He likens his predicament as being near the lion’s mouth and being pushed by the horns of a strong, buffalo-type animal. There is fear and fainting in his heart.
We see the approach.
David does the only thing he knows to do best under these extreme circumstances: he prays! His prayer is direct and specific. His prayer is earnest and focused. His prayer is fervent and in faith. He comes boldly to the throne of grace for mercy and grace to help in his time of need. The hymn writer wrote, “All your anxiety, all your care, bring to the mercy seat, leave it there. Never a burden He cannot bear, never a friend like Jesus.” We can come to God for every need in our life.
We see the answer.
“Thou hast heard me....” As he felt the pressure from the horns of the unicorns pushing him, he had peaceful assurance that God heard his prayer. Praying through a matter is when we have exhausted ourselves in telling God everything on our heart, and the Lord gives us the confidence that He has heard us and the answer is on the way. “In every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
We see the adoration.
“My praise shall be of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear him.” The purpose of trials is that God gets the glory and praise. In spite of the incredible pressures and stress, God made a way out. The Lord shuts the mouth of the lion, and His strength overcomes the strength of the unicorn that pushes against us. David teaches us that our praise should be public as well as private. We do not fully appreciate how the Lord cares for us and delivers us until we are in the place of great anguish. Maybe, this morning, you feel the strength of the unicorn pushing you back. Call out to the Lord and let Him fight your battle. Let Him answer and strengthen you in your time of need.
Have a strengthened God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: 2 Chronicles 5-8
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