In Psalm 28, the verses 1-5 the focus is on the problem.
verses 6-9 the focus on God is bigger than the problem
1 I pray to you, O Lord, my rock.
Do not turn a deaf ear to me.
For if you are silent,
I might as well give up and die.
The focus is on the emotion of fear.
2 Listen to my prayer for mercy
as I cry out to you for help,
as I lift my hands toward your holy sanctuary.
Here the psalmist is pleading to God
There is desperation in this verse, looking desperately for an answer.
3 Do not drag me away with the wicked—
with those who do evil—
those who speak friendly words to their neighbors
while planning evil in their hearts.
The psalmist telling God what to do.
4 Give them the punishment they so richly deserve!
Measure it out in proportion to their wickedness.
Pay them back for all their evil deeds!
Give them a taste of what they have done to others.
The psalmist telling god how to deal with his enemies
5 They care nothing for what the Lord has done
or for what his hands have made.
So, he will tear them down,
and they will never be rebuilt!
The psalmist telling God when he does take care of them, make sure they will never be able to prosper
6 Praise the Lord!
For he has heard my cry for mercy.
A change of heart
7 The Lord is my strength and shield.
I trust him with all my heart.
He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.
I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.
Instead of fear-faith
8 The Lord gives his people strength.
He is a safe fortress for his anointed king.
Instead of pleading-thanksgiving
9 Save your people!
Bless Israel, your special possession.
Lead them like a shepherd,
and carry them in your arms forever.
Instead of telling – asking God
Even when our focus is looking at the problem, You let us know You are there and we matter.
Simply You Matter,
Karan~