Psalm 20 (cf. 1 Timothy 2.1-8 and see our study Psalm 21 and our study of 2 Samuel 10 for possible background to this psalm)
Verses 1-3-Trouble is coming in warfare. The priest is offering a sense of peace to David before the battle. Because of David’s faithfulness to God, God will bring him support. Pause (Selah). Are your sacrifices to God the kind that He celebrates and honors? Or, are they merely tokens you throw at Him, hoping to appease Him? See our study on Psalm 50.
Verses 4-6-Triumph of God’s answers are evident. Notice the change from “your” to “we” to “I.” All are involved.
Verses 7-9-Trust and confidence in the God who gives victories and allows defeats.
Notice the bookend of “Lord answer” in verse one in the day of trouble and in verses nine in the day we call. Notice how the name of God is invoked in each stanza (1, 5, 7). Notice the abundance of desire in the first five verses with each beginning with “may.”
This is a short psalm that reminds us to pray for those over us. Are you praying for your leaders, whether you like them or not? The psalm also shows us that true worship gets God’s attention.
Trusting in God can sometimes be very difficult, especially in troubling circumstances. But trusting in God and having confidence in His ways and in His timing is ultimatley what will bring us success. He listens to our requests and will answer us when we call on Him and pray to Him.