Let not those who hope in you be put to shame through me,
O Lord God of hosts;
let not those who seek you be brought to dishonor through me,
O God of Israel. (Psalm 69:6)
David is surrounded by enemies who would love to see him fall. They are actively seeking his destruction and spreading lies about him. His response is to pray this prayer.
If David, as king and leader of Israel, should stumble and falter in his faith when faced with opposition, what devastating effects this would have on the faithful among the nation. They should be ashamed and lose hope, possibly lose faith themselves. David prays this would not happen.
Note first, his pastoral concern for those under his care. His actions, his faith, his perseverance, matter, because they affect others. He is concerned not for his reputation, but for the faith of others. How wonderful it would be if church leaders today would have this kind of watch over their own lives out of concern for the congregation!
Secondly, if this were true of David and Israel, it is true also in the church. What devastating effects to the faith of the congregation follow, when a leader falls from grace and makes shipwreck of his faith. Even if he should suffer from discouragement and spiritual lethargy, his spiritual temperature will act as a thermostat for the congregation.
Prayer is the preventative medicine for this ailment.
The leader (elder/deacon/worship leader/etc.) should pray this prayer along with David, that God would preserve him and give no occasion for shame through him.
The congregation should, likewise, pray for their leaders. Pray that God would preserve them in faith. Pray that they would be consumed with zeal for God (v9). Pray that the only charge which could be honestly brought against them is that they are zealous for God.
Please pray this way for your leaders today.
Leave a Reply