God's Gracious Guidance: Trusting Him in Troubled Times (Psalm 86)


In today’s world, the church faces various challenges, from external pressures to internal struggles. Psalm 86 is a prayer of David that reflects a heart seeking God’s grace, guidance, and protection during difficult times. As the body of Christ, the church can draw strength and comfort from this psalm, finding in it a model for how to trust in God’s unfailing love and mercy when faced with trials.

Cry for Mercy (Ps. 86:1-3)

David begins his prayer by humbly crying out to God for mercy, acknowledging his neediness and dependence on God. Imagine a child running to their parent in tears after a fall, seeking comfort and healing. Just as the parent’s arms are open wide, so God’s mercy is ever-present for those who call upon Him.

The church, as God’s people, must continually recognize its need for God’s mercy. In times of trial, we should be quick to turn to Him, trusting that He hears our cries and is compassionate towards us. Jesus, our High Priest, is the ultimate expression of God’s mercy. He sympathizes with our weaknesses and invites us to approach the throne of grace with confidence (Hebrews 4:15-16).

Confession of Faithfulness (Ps. 86:5-7)

David expresses his confidence in God’s goodness and readiness to forgive, highlighting God’s abounding love to all who call upon Him. Consider a lighthouse that stands firm during a storm, guiding ships safely to shore. God’s faithfulness is like that lighthouse, steady and reliable, guiding His people through life’s storms.

The church must hold fast to the truth of God’s faithfulness. In a world where trust is often broken, the church is called to be a beacon of faith, pointing others to the unwavering love and goodness of God. Jesus is the embodiment of God’s faithfulness. He fulfilled every promise of God and remains faithful even when we are faithless (2 Timothy 2:13).

Commitment to Worship (Ps. 86:8-10)

David declares God’s uniqueness and worthiness of worship, acknowledging that no other gods or works can compare to the Lord. Imagine attending a concert where every note played by the orchestra is in perfect harmony, creating a beautiful symphony. Similarly, when the church commits to worshiping God alone, our collective praise creates a symphony of glory to God.

The church must remain committed to worshiping God in spirit and truth, rejecting all forms of idolatry and distractions that can lead us away from true worship. Jesus is the center of our worship. Through Him, we come to know the Father, and through His sacrifice, we are able to worship God in holiness and truth (John 4:23-24).

Continual Dependence on God’s Guidance (Ps. 86:11-12)

David seeks God’s guidance and commits to walking in His truth, desiring an undivided heart that fears the Lord. Think of a GPS system that guides a driver to their destination. Just as a driver must depend on the GPS for direction, the church must continually depend on God’s guidance to stay on the right path.

The church must cultivate a heart of continual dependence on God, seeking His guidance in all things. This involves daily surrender to His will and a commitment to follow His ways. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who leads and guides His flock. As we follow Him, He leads us in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake (John 10:14-15; Psalm 23:3).

Confidence in God’s Deliverance (Ps. 86:13-15)

David finds assurance in God’s great love and deliverance, reflecting on how God has rescued him from the depths of trouble. Picture a lifeguard who dives into the ocean to save a drowning person, pulling them to safety. God, in His love, reaches down to rescue us from the dangers that threaten to overwhelm us.

The church must have confidence in God’s power to deliver us from any trial or adversity. We should encourage one another with the truth that God is our Savior and Deliverer. Jesus is our Deliverer. He has delivered us from sin and death through His sacrifice on the cross, and He continues to deliver us from the trials of this world (Colossians 1:13-14).

Psalm 86 reminds the church of the importance of seeking God’s mercy, trusting in His faithfulness, committing to worship, having confidence in His deliverance, and depending on His guidance. In Christ, we find the perfect fulfillment of these truths. As we walk together as the body of Christ, let us continually turn to God in our times of need, trusting that He is gracious and faithful to guide us through every challenge we face.

 

Pr. Voola Sukeerthy
Email: thecitylight2016@gmail.com
Ph: (+91) 9686992917

For my short reflections on other Psalms of David click here

https://kogparables.blogspot.com/2024/05/the-treasure-hunt-quest-for-eternal.html

Miracles of Jesus


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Psalm 3 - The ABCDE of Faith in the Midst of Adversity

Image
Psalm 3 is a poignant expression of trust in God amid adversity, attributed to King David. It's a prayerful response to a time of distress, likely when David faced rebellion, possibly from his son Absalom. In this psalm, David acknowledges his dire situation but finds solace in God's protection and deliverance. It's a powerful reminder of finding strength and peace in God, even in the midst of life's trials. In today's turbulent world, we often find ourselves facing various forms of adversity. Yet, in the midst of trials, we can find hope and assurance in God's unfailing promises. Let us explore Psalm 3 and uncover timeless truths that offer comfort and strength in times of trouble. 1.     A cknowledging  Adversity in God’s Presence : Psalm 3:1-2: "LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! Many are saying of me, 'God will not deliver him.'" The psalmist begins by acknowledging the reality of adversity. He faces numerous foes and ...
Read more

Psalm 6 - "Finding Hope in the Midst of Suffering"

Image
In a world filled with trials and tribulations, we often find ourselves crying out to God in desperation. Psalm 6 beautifully captures the raw emotions of the psalmist as he wrestles with suffering and seeks solace in the midst of pain. Today, let us glean wisdom from this ancient lament psalm and discover how it offers hope and comfort for us in our modern-day struggles. 1.      Recognition of Distress: Psalm 6:2: "Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am faint; O LORD, heal me, for my bones are in agony." The psalmist begins by acknowledging the depth of his distress and the intensity of his suffering. He does not hide his pain but lays it bare before God. Just as the psalmist poured out his heartache before God, we too can bring our burdens and struggles to Him in prayer, knowing that He hears and cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). 2.      Cry for Mercy: Psalm 6:4: "Turn, LORD, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love." In his anguish, ...
Read more

Psalm 11 - Facing Fear with Faith

Image
  In a world filled with uncertainty and fear, the need for unwavering faith has never been more crucial. Psalm 11 provides us with timeless wisdom on how to confront our fears with courage and trust in God. Let's delve into this psalm and discover five key points that will equip us to face our fears with faith.   1.      Fear Not, For God is our Fortress (Psalm 11:1-3): When David faced threats and danger, he didn't flee in panic but took refuge in God. He recognized God as his ultimate stronghold and refused to be shaken by fear. Imagine a sturdy fortress amidst a storm, providing safety and security to those inside. Likewise, God is our fortress in times of trouble, offering refuge and protection. Instead of succumbing to fear, let's anchor ourselves in God's promises and seek refuge in Him. Trusting in His strength, we can withstand any storm that comes our way. 2.      Faith Overcomes the Schemes of the Wicked (Psalm 11:4-5):...
Read more