Christians are not immune from difficulties; we are not given some kind of protective bubble that repels all trouble. In fact, becoming a Christian can actually attract afflictions and hardships. The real test of Christianity is neither the absence nor the presence of troubles; it is our response to troubles. Do we respond by faith or by feelings, by confidence in the Lord or by desertion? This principle is brought to light in Psalm 125.
Prayer should be an integral part of the life of the believer and the life of the church. And yet we often neglect this great gift from our heavenly Father. We struggle to understand how we should pray, why we should pray, or how God uses prayer to accomplish his will. Psalm 50:14–15 teaches us some important lessons and encourages us to get on our knees and get praying.