January 20, 2021 (Wednesday)
Every now and then, as I’m reading the Bible thinking “I
know this,” I get hit by the Holy Spirit’s proverbial two-by-four. This is not
completely unexpected, in fact, I want this to happen.
David’s insight into God is beyond what I can imagine. He
must have spent a lot of time with God and the Scriptures. Psalm 86 is one
example of his deep relationship. It starts with a humble posture. In verse
one, David cries out, “Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and
needy.” [Psalm 86:1 ESV]
I get the theology that states we are children of God. But
sometimes I wonder if we act and talk more like spoiled brats, rather than
heirs. He then asks for three things. Verse 2, “Preserve my life.” [ESV] Verse 3, “Be gracious to me.” [ESV]
Verse 4, “Gladden
the soul of your servant.” [ESV]
I’m guessing more than a few people are praying during this
pandemic. Today I realized how little I pray for myself. After all, isn’t it
selfish? Generally when I do pray for myself, it’s in context of a group. But
David prays for himself. These are not really selfish prayers. He wants God to
protect his life, have mercy on him, and make him happy.
All this is based on the character of God. In other word’s
David would dare to suggest these are things God wants for him. “For you, O Lord,
are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.”
[Psalm 86:5 ESV] Good and forgiving relate to grace and mercy. Life and
happiness relate to steadfast love.
After words of praise, David asks “Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in
your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.” [Psalm 86:11 ESV] His
heart cry was to walk in God’s truth so his emotions and thoughts would be
united in “fear.” When our lives are going a different direction than our
faith, we are divided. Internally we trust God’s mercy and grace, but
externally we casually dare the justice of God.
Again David restates his life goal, “I give thanks to you, my Lord, my God, with
all my heart, and I will glorify your name forever.” [Psalm 86:12 CEB] My suspicion is if this is our
life, then there can be no selfish prayer. All prayer will be in line with this
goal. All prayer will be in line with the character of God. All prayer will be
in line with what God wants.
Later David references God’s character, again. “But you, O Lord,
are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love
and faithfulness.” [Psalm 86:15 ESV] Yes, David was in trouble. People
hated him, people rebelled against his rule, and people were planning on ending
his life. But David turned to the steadiness of God.
God’s compassion and mercy, God’s patience and steadfast
love are brought to the forefront. God wants good for us. I’m wondering if He’s
waiting for us to ask. Take the case of Jabez. Jabez’ name means “he causes
pain (or sorrow).” Maybe this was a curse bestowed on him by his family.
It seem brash but, “Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, "Oh that you
would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and
that you would keep me from harm (evil) so that it might not
bring me pain!" And God granted what he asked.” [1 Chronicles
2:55 ESV]
How will you dare pray?
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