Reflections on Psalm 20
Psalm 20 is a wonderful Psalm, which reflects a truly spiritual and open posture before God rather than religious self justification:
Firstly, may God answer you in the day of trouble! That is a wonderfully real prayer. Even if it is entirely your own fault that you have landed in trouble - the best thing you can do is bring your situation to God.
Secondly, may he send you help from His sanctuary and support from Zion. This is a prayer for God himself to help you by His power and His presence and for you to experience the support of the family of God - the church. Both are necessary for our spiritual journey.
Thirdly, may God credit to your account all the sowing that you have done. May he remember your faithfulness in times past and reward you for your service in the kingdom. This is the kind of prayer Nehemiah prayed (Neh 13: 14 and 31). It is legitimate and is an expression of your ongoing relationship with God.
Fourthly, may we shout for joy and celebrate the active work of God in our lives. May we not be a people that are just relieved that things have not got worse, but rather be a people full of praise and joy at the work our God has done and will continue to do in us and through us.
May God bless you and give you all the desires of your hearts as you come before him with real, transparent prayers and as you remain totally immersed in the family of God - the church.