- Be gracious to me, O Lord, for to you do I cry all the day. Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. Psalm 86:3-4 – An underlining theme of this psalm is going to God only. Our psalmist understood that in this world there were many other “gods,” other places/people/things that he could go to in his time of need for the help he was looking for. He’d seen others around him likely going to such things, but he also saw the outcome of such a choice to chase after such gods. His choice then was the Lord only as his place to turn in his time of need. All day it was to the Lord, not only when it was easy or when the temptations of other gods were lessened, but all day all the time it was God alone. With a whole heart and undivided devotion was his cry made to the Lord. Let this be the path we choose as well. Only God. All day. Whole heart and undivided devotion. Yes there are other places/people/things that you could go after for the help you need, but as the psalmist did, take note of those around you who have chosen such a path and evaluate if they really got the help they needed. If you are looking for true rescue, true life, and true joy, then Jesus is the only way to such things. Call out to Him, for as we learn in verse 7 of our psalm, Jesus answers back. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 3500
- In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me. Psalms 86:7 – I think of the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal. The false prophets cried out again and again, the even resorted to cutting themselves all to gain a response from their god. Yet none came, no one answered them. God though answered Elijah, apparently the psalmist knew God would answer him, and we too can have the confidence that God answers us when we call out to Him. So in your day of trouble, whatever that may look like for you, know you can come to God, cry out to Him, and have confidence He hears and moves on your behalf. He loves you and He answers your cry. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1149
- Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. Psalm 86:11 – I hope today your heart is seeking to know the truth of God’s way. That you are inclining your ear to God’s voice, seeking to know the way God desires you to move today. Now, once you find it out, will you walk in that way? Sure we can ask to know the path and have the path’s entrance cleared with neon signs flashing “go this way!” We can know the way but still not go that way. Today, your path is to love God and to love people. This is the way. God has taught us already what His way is and now He expects us to walk in it. Of course, be seeking still out the specific ways God wants you to walk in His way, but don’t just sit on the knowledge you do have. Maybe all you have is simply you’re called to love God and people with no specifics coming to mind on how. Then whoever is in front of you, love them. Love God by serving Him and having time with Him. You have been given the way, will you walk in it? I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2046
