The Bible is full of prayers that are arguments with God.

Our verse today is just such an example of how to argue with Him.

However, before considering this argument in our verse, we need to clear our minds of the negative use of the word argument.

Most of us think of arguing as quarrelling.

We think of children arguing among themselves and getting into verbal battles over something unimportant. Or we imagine a husband and wife arguing over what car to buy for the family's use. This is the negative side to the word.

However, in the English language the word argument can have a very positive tone to it. For example, in a courtroom a lawyer is said to argue his case before a judge and jury.

No one thinks that the lawyer is angry with the judge or jury as he argues his case.

So in some contexts, arguing occurs when someone seeks favour from the person to whom he or she presents their arguments. In this usage no room is given to hostile words or abusive language. This form of arguing is very positive and calm.

The Psalmist asks God to be ready to come alongside him when problems rise in his life.

No specific issue troubles the man right now. He's preparing himself for possible future difficulties. He wants assurance that the Lord will come to his rescue when life gets to be too much.

Then the Psalmist gives the Lord a reason for helping him in the future when he says, "...for I have chosen your precepts." He reminds the Lord that he has applied the teaching of Scripture to his own life and this is cause for God to grant him strength for any future problems.

A most powerful argument with God is found in Daniel.

Read this verse and see how Daniel calls on God to hear and answer, because Daniel is praying for God's people who are part of His family.

"Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For your sake, my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name.” Daniel 9:19 (NIV)

Never forget, Christian friend, that you're a child of God, and a part of the church for which Christ died and rose again.

God has given you exceptionally great and precious promises, and you have every right (as His child) to claim your inheritance—because you belong to the Lord.

Search Scripture for a promise that fits your situation and present it to the Lord today. May you have a good argument with the Lord today!