Oh how could there be a better Psalm for today and for the times we live in?  With an epidemic of violence: in our homes, in our schools, and in the nations, we wonder where to turn for help.  When we are hard put to find any common sense among leaders at any level; when lies and chaos seem to rule the day, what can we do?  It seems overwhelming until—we remember that there is One who sees all, knows all, and has all the power to deal with what is happening. David turned to God when faced the same agonies.  He spent seven years fighting, and waiting, for the throne which belonged to him. His prayer in the “day of trouble” will also guide our prayers in times like these.

May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble!
May the name of the God of Jacob protect you!

May he send you help from the sanctuary
and give you support from Zion!I

May he remember all your offerings
and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices! Selah

May he grant you your heart’s desire
and fulfill all your plans!

May we shout for joy over your salvation,
and in the name of our God set up our banners!
May the LORD fulfill all your petitions!

Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed;
he will answer him from his holy heaven
with the saving might of his right hand.

Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

They collapse and fall,
but we rise and stand upright.

O LORD, save the king!
May he answer us when we call.