Read Psalm 109:21-29 21But you, O God my Lord, deal on my behalf for your name’s sake; because your steadfast love is good, deliver me! 22For I am poor and needy, and my heart is stricken within me. 23I am gone like a shadow at evening; I am shaken off like a locust. 24My knees are weak through fasting; my body has become gaunt, with no fat. 25I am an object of scorn to my accusers; when they see me, they wag their heads. 26Help me, O Lord my God! Save me according to your steadfast love! 27Let them know that this is your hand; you, O Lord, have done it! 28Let them curse, but you will bless! They arise and are put to shame, but your servant will be glad! 29May my accusers be clothed with dishonor; may they be wrapped in their own shame as in a cloak!
With the words but you David pivots from the imprecatory prayer against his enemies to a petition for God to deal on his behalf. Why should God do this? Not for David’s sake. Not because David was innocent and deserving. Not even because he is poor and pitiful.
For your name’s sake.
David appeals to God on the basis of God. God, the ever loving, ever glorifying Trinity will not let his own name go down in defeat. God attached his name to a covenant with David that promised his unconditional help and blessing forever. His steadfast covenant love. Not his ahava (the Hebrew word for emotional love), but his hesed (the Hebrew word for covenant love).
Simply put, if David’s enemies win, then what does that say about God?
Christian, you too can petition God on this same basis. Not on the basis of God’s pity, or even his benevolence (though both are available). But on the basis of his covenant with you. His name’s sake. Jesus has signed his name in blood to a covenant with you. A promise to save you no matter what. A promise to never leave you or forsake you. A promise to always be for you.
Romans 8:31. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
To live is Christ is to petition God based on God and his covenant, not our own level of desperation, promises made, or pitiful situation.
You: On what basis do you petition God?
You in Christ: Why can those who are in Christ always pray for Jesus’ name’s sake? What does that mean to you personally?
Christ in you: How might the day be different if you prayed from Christ’s covenant love and faithfulness and not just your own desperation?
Pray: Jesus, based on your covenant, your hesed, your steadfast love for me I will cry out to you. Save me for your name’s sake alone. Amen.
To Live is Christ 