Psalm 20: 1-5 New Life Version (NLV)
May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob keep you safe. 2 May He send you help from the house of God, and give you strength from Zion. 3 May He remember all your gifts of grain given on the altar in worship. And may He be pleased with your burnt gifts.
4 May He give you the desire of your heart, and make all your plans go well. 5 We will sing for joy when you win. In the name of our God we will lift up our flags. May the Lord give you all the things you ask Him for.
This Psalm reads like a benediction (Latin: bene, well + dicere, to speak), an invocation for divine help, blessing and guidance. But it was originally intended as a song/prayer for the king, probably David, as he went into battle. Scholars believe this because “you” is singular. (Psalm 21 is the song/prayer for when the king came home victorious.)
Most of us spend time going into battle against the world, the flesh and the devil. To stand against these enemies of the soul requires vigilance, wisdom and the Grace of God. Fortunately, we may rely on His vigilance and wisdom, and each of us is heir to more Grace than ever we could need.
So perhaps this Psalm can be a prayer/blessing prayed for each other: “May the Lord keep you safe. May He strengthen you. May He be pleased with you, give you what you need, and bless your plans.” (v 1-4) I’m praying this prayer for you as I type this.
Then your chorus of encouragement (v 5) will praise God and sing for joy as He gives you success. Because we are not alone; we are all in the battle together.
33 I have told you these things so you may have peace in Me. In the world you will have much trouble. But take hope! I have power over the world!” John 16:33 New Life Version (NLV)
So fight with faith for the winner’s prize! Lay your hands upon eternal life,
for this is your calling—celebrating in faith before the multitude of witnesses!
1 Timothy 6:11-13 The Passion Translation (TPT)
The world, the flesh and the devil can never overwhelm the weakest person who sets their face toward God. J. C. Ryle