God’s character

A Sheep’s Journey Through Psalms – 86

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A Heartfelt Cry to the Merciful God

Dear friend, imagine yourself in a quiet moment, perhaps with a warm cup of tea in hand, opening your Bible to the Psalms. These ancient songs of the heart have a way of drawing us closer to God, don’t they? Today, let’s linger over Psalm 86, a beautiful prayer penned by David—a man who knew both the heights of victory and the depths of desperation. This psalm is like a gentle conversation with the Lord, full of humility, trust, and praise. As we walk through it together, we’ll uncover its layers, seeing how David’s words can become our own in times of need.

David begins with a plea: “Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy” (verse 1). Right away, we sense his vulnerability. He’s not approaching God as a king with demands, but as a servant in distress. This sets the tone for the entire psalm—an honest admission of our human frailty. David reminds God (and himself) of his devotion: “Preserve my life, for I am godly; save your servant, who trusts in you—you are my God” (verse 2). Here, “godly” isn’t about perfection; it’s about a heart oriented toward God. It’s a warm invitation for us to reflect: In our own lives, when we feel “poor and needy,” do we turn first to the One who knows us intimately?

As the psalm unfolds, David shifts from petition to praise, highlighting God’s unique character. “For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you” (verse 5). This isn’t just flattery; it’s a deep truth David clings to. He appeals to God’s mercy, asking for a listening ear in prayer: “Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace” (verse 6). Then, in verses 8-10, David declares God’s incomparability: “There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours. All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you.” What a comforting reminder! In a world full of distractions and false hopes, our God stands alone—powerful, creative, and worthy of all glory.

It’s in this celebration of God’s oneness that we find resonance across faiths. As Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel once reflected on the Psalms, “The Psalms are not only songs of praise but echoes of the soul’s encounter with the divine mystery.” This insight from a revered Jewish thinker underscores how David’s words transcend time, inviting us into that same profound encounter.

Moving forward, David gets personal again: “Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name” (verse 11). Oh, how I love this verse—it’s a prayer for guidance and wholehearted devotion. David isn’t content with surface-level faith; he longs for a unified heart, free from divided loyalties. He follows with gratitude: “I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever” (verse 12). Even amid trouble, praise flows naturally. And why? Because of God’s “steadfast love” (verse 13), which has delivered David from the depths.

The psalm doesn’t shy away from real struggles. In verses 14-17, David names his enemies—arrogant foes who rise against him without regard for God. Yet, he turns back to the Lord’s compassion: “But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” Drawing from Exodus 34:6, David reaffirms God’s character as his anchor. He asks for strength, a sign of favor, and ultimate vindication, confident that God will act.

Beloved reader, Psalm 86 isn’t just ancient poetry; it’s a blueprint for prayer in our everyday lives. When worries press in, let’s echo David’s humility and trust, remembering that our God is merciful and ready to hear. Perhaps today, take a moment to read the psalm aloud, letting its words warm your spirit. May it lead you to a deeper reliance on the One who is “good and forgiving,” drawing you into His steadfast love.

Let us pray: Gracious Lord, like David, we come to You poor and needy. Teach us Your ways, unite our hearts, and show us Your mercy. Thank You for being our God—unchanging and full of love. Amen.

A Sheep’s Journey Through Psalms -36

/ taethne

God’s Unfailing Love: A Reflection on Psalm 36

Reflection

Psalm 36, penned by David, offers a striking contrast between the darkness of human sin and the radiant glory of God’s character. The opening verses (1-4) paint a sobering picture of the wicked, who lack reverence for God, flatter themselves in their sin, and plot evil even in the stillness of night. Yet, this grim reality serves as a backdrop to magnify the brilliance of God’s love, faithfulness, righteousness, and justice, which David celebrates in verses 5-9. In a world that often feels shadowed by wrongdoing, this psalm invites us to lift our eyes to the God whose mercy is boundless and whose provision is abundant.

Verses 5-6 proclaim the grandeur of God’s attributes: His love stretches to the heavens, His faithfulness reaches the skies, unchanging and all-encompassing. His righteousness stands like mighty mountains – immovable, majestic and a stronghold against injustice while His justice flows like the deep oceans, wise and profound beyond our comprehension

Theologian John Calvin reflects on this passage, noting that God’s mercy is so expansive that it embraces not only humanity but even the animals, showing His care for all He has made. Calvin emphasizes that this divine mercy is a source of comfort, assuring us that God’s goodness extends beyond our failures and the world’s brokenness.

In verse 7, David declares, “How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.” Here, we find an invitation to rest in God’s protective embrace, where we are not merely sheltered but feasted with the abundance of His house and refreshed by His “river of delights” (verse 8). Charles Spurgeon, in his Treasury of David, beautifully captures the joy of this truth, describing God’s love as a fountain that quenches every thirst and a light that dispels all darkness. He writes, “In thy light shall we see light,” suggesting that only in God’s presence do we find true clarity, wisdom, and joy. Spurgeon’s insight calls us to seek satisfaction not in fleeting pleasures but in the eternal delights of God’s presence.

One of the most inspirational insights comes from the renowned theologian Matthew Henry, who emphasizes the preciousness of God’s loving-kindness. He notes that it is infinitely above human compassion, drawing the children of men to trust under the shadow of His wings, where they find protection, abundant satisfaction from the “fatness of His house,” and refreshment from the “river of His pleasures.” Henry reminds us that in God, we have the fountain of life—natural, spiritual, and eternal—and in His light, we see true wisdom and joy, culminating in the glory of heaven.

David concludes with a prayer for God’s continued love and righteousness toward the upright and a plea for protection from the wicked (verses 10-12). The downfall of evildoers reminds us that evil is temporary, while God’s kingdom endures forever. Psalm 36 challenges us to examine our hearts: Are we drawn to the deceit of sin, or are we running to the refuge of God’s wings? In moments of trial or temptation, let us anchor ourselves in the truth of God’s unfailing love, which is more vast than the heavens and more enduring than the mountains.

Today, let Psalm 36 inspire you to trust in God’s boundless mercy. When the world’s darkness presses in, feast on His abundance, drink from His delights, and walk in His light. You are held, protected, and cherished by the God whose love knows no end.

Prayer

Lord, Your love reaches the heavens, and Your faithfulness never fails. Thank You for being our refuge and our joy, the fountain of life in a world of shadows. As Christian leaders of the past remind us, Your mercy embraces all, and Your light reveals true life. Help us to rest in Your love, to reject sin’s deceit, and to live uprightly for Your glory. Continue Your steadfast love to us, and shield us from evil. In Jesus’ name, Amen.