During even the smoothest of times, the potential for trouble is always lurking just around the corner. It can have a nasty way of showing up unexpectedly and taking us by surprise. If we’re not prepared for it, trouble can make us panic and feel overwhelmed. When we feel like we’re drowning in a situation that seems beyond our control, prayer is our lifeline.

David was a powerful example of someone who regularly prayed, both in good times and bad. As a boy, David trusted God, even when he went up against Goliath. Instead of shying away from trouble in the form of a Philistine soldier many times his size, David declared his faith, moved forward, and won the battle.

David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine…Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give you into our hands (1 Samuel 17:37, 45-47).

When David was fleeing for his life from King Saul, he relied on God to deliver him. During all the time David was on the move, he could have reflected on the situation and become discouraged. Instead, he prayed, trusting that God would ensure his safety. “LORD, I cry out to You; Make haste to me! Give ear to my voice when I cry out to You. Let my prayer be set before You as incense, The lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice” (Psalm 141:1, 2, NKJV).

After God made David into a powerful king, David still prayed for wisdom and guidance. He wasn’t perfect and he made mistakes, but he still maintained a strong prayer life. No matter how successful David became as a military commander, he always acknowledged who was ultimately responsible for his victories in battle. “Through God we will do valiantly, For it is He who shall tread down our enemies” (Psalm 60:12, NKJV).

Like David, we have a choice of whether to face life’s battles on our own, or ask for God’s help. God loves us and doesn’t want us to struggle with problems; prayer connects us to Him and allows Him to get involved. When we’re deep in a bad situation and have no idea how to get out of it, our prayers allow God to show His willingness to deliver us. “He reached down from heaven and rescued me; he drew me out of deep waters…he rescued me because he delights in me” (Psalm 18:16, 19, NLT). It’s up to us whether we try to handle the situation ourselves, or turn to Him.