READ: Ps. 86:1–17: … Hear me … For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive … For You are great, and do wondrous things … I will walk in Your truth … But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, Longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth … Show me a sign for good … You, LORD, have helped me and comforted me.
David calls upon the LORD ‘in the day of my trouble,’ with the certainty that He will answer him (v.7). David appeals to the LORD on the basis of the covenant, in which he is God’s favoured servant and may serve Him.
He then points to the LORD’s glorious attributes as the ground for hearing his prayer: He is good, ready to forgive, and abundant in lovingkindness (cf. Ex. 34:6). Therefore David is certain that the LORD will hear his persistent supplications.
In verses 8–10 David then gives expression to his worship of God by describing Him in His absolute greatness, exalted above everything and everyone. Among the heavenly beings (‘gods’) there is none like Him. His wondrous works of creation and providence are altogether unique. He deserves the worship of all the nations whom He has made. He alone is God (v.10).
David therefore desires to submit himself completely to this God, upon whom he is entirely dependent. He longs to follow Him in obedience with an undivided heart, to praise Him, and to honour Him forever. Yet even for this he knows himself to be dependent upon the LORD: ‘Teach me Your way’ and ‘Unite my heart.’
David then recalls the lovingkindness the LORD has already shown him: He has delivered him from death (v.13). After this extensive thanksgiving, David presents his specific request. He is being attacked by proud, wicked, and violent men. Once again David repeats how the LORD is known: merciful, gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in lovingkindness. His prayer concludes with a plea that the LORD would grant him strength and deliverance. He also asks for a sign of God’s favour to encourage him.
David teaches us that we may—and indeed must—appeal to the grace of the LORD, and in doing so give honour to Him.
How do you notice that the LORD is near to you?
Sing: Ps. 86:1,2