Psalm 86

Excerpts from Psalm 86, NLT

Bend down, O Lord, and hear my prayer; answer me, for I need your help. Protect me, for I am devoted to you. Save me, for I serve you and trust you. You are my God. Be merciful, O Lord, for I am calling on you constantly. Give me happiness, O Lord, for my life depends on you. O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask your aid. Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord, hear my urgent cry. I will call to you whenever trouble strikes, and you will answer me…. Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, that I may honor you. With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God. I will give glory to your name forever for your love for me is very great. You have rescued me from the depths of death…. But you O Lord, are a merciful and gracious God, slow to get angry, full of unfailing love and truth. Look down and have mercy on me. Give strength to your servant; yes, save me for I am your servant. Send me a sign of your favor. Then those who hate me will be put to shame, for you, O Lord, help and comfort me.

This Psalm has become a regular of mine. It so clearly expresses what’s going on in my heart – my aching need, my feeling of urgency, and also it reassures me of my standing with God – that He is not put off my my neediness. It’s the Psalm of our relationship as it takes root.