Psalms 86

Spending a bit of time in the Psalms is good for the soul. David, who knew the height of power also knew the depths of despair.

Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I am poor and needy. Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee. (Psalms 86:1-2 KJV)

Still the prayer of so many of us today who realize how greatly God has affected our lives.

Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily. (Psalms 86:3 KJV)

Do we cry for His mercy, or do we present a list of demands to meet our own goals and desires?

The center of this Psalm rings with beauty for all.

All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name. For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone. Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name. I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore. For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell. (Psalms 86:9-13 KJV)

Several times David asks to God to teach him, these and more:

Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. (Psalms 25:4 KJV)

Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes. (Psalms 119:12 KJV)

The earth, O LORD, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes. (Psalms 119:64 KJV)

David, as we do now, was aware he had much to learn. Beset by enemies, he turned to God for help. Aware of his shortcomings, he turned to God for mercy.

O God, the proud are risen against me, and the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soul; and have not set thee before them. But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; give thy strength unto thy servant, and save the son of thine handmaid (Psalms 86:14-16 KJV)

David closes with a request I do appreciate. One I would pray for.

Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me. (Psalms 86:17 KJV)

Not that I think there are those who hate me, but there are so many who despise Him and heed not His word. Yet, I understand that there are those, as Christ’s disciples, who do not understand.

Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember? (Mark 8:18 KJV)

Remember – He promised those who seek Him will find Him.