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