Psalm 86 is another of David’s psalms. The opening words tell us something is wrong, something very troubling is going on, ” Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am afflicted and needy.” What is it that has prompted David’s desperate prayer? What is troubling him to the point that he is so direct in his plea for God’s help?
You may recall that God became disgusted with Saul and gave the kingdom of Israel to David. However, being king over Israel was no easy task. I can imagine times when David may have longed for the simple, uncomplicated life he had known as a shepherd. Herding and protecting sheep from predators had to be a much easier way to live. That was then, but now he is king and is encountering serious, even deadly challenges.
So, what is going on with David? It could be otherwise, but I believe we will find the answer in 1 Samuel 23-24 or 2 Samuel 15. These chapters reveal some developments that have put David in grave danger. Not only could his kingdom be taken away but so could his life! Here is his prayer in Psalm 86:1-7,
“Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am afflicted and needy. Preserve my soul, for I am a godly man. O my God, save your servant who trusts in you. Be gracious to me O Lord, for to you I cry all day long. Make glad the soul of your servant, for to you I lift my soul. For you, Lord, are good and ready to forgive, and abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon you. Listen, O Lord, to my prayer and pay attention to my supplications! In the day of my trouble, I will call on you, for you will answer me.”
Have you faced situations such as marital problems, financial crises, family disruptions, or serious health concerns that help you relate to the deep agony David was experiencing? Are you there now?
Although David was anointed king of Israel, Saul did not go away peacefully. David’s respect for the office of the king and his conviction that God would work everything out in this transition would not allow him to fight against Saul. 1 Samuel 23-24 tells us Saul does not share David’s perspective, and he and his army are hunting David to kill him. David was dealing with a deranged man who was driven to take his life. Was this the threat that called forth his prayer?
David chose to pray fervently about the problem and God delivered him. You can find how the issue was resolved 1 Samuels 23-24.
The issue addressed in 2 Samuel 15 is similar to the one just cited but with an even more heart-wrenching twist. How could it be worse? Again, his leadership as king and his life are being threatened. But this predator is someone he loves deeply. This person who pursues him like an animal is Absalom, his son. Absalom was a handsome and winsome man with persuasive skills. He has convinced an army of men to kill David and take the kingdom. While Absalom was conspiring with his followers a messenger came to David with this bewildering message, “The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom.” 2 Samuel 15:13. Look at David’s prayer again. Desperate times call for desperate praying.
Unfortunately, Absolom’s rebellion and thirst for power cost him his life. God preserved David and he ruled for forty years and handed over his kingdom to Solomon.
David’s experience provides another answer to the question, ” What is there to love about God? Prayer is a gift our Father gives us. We can talk with Him about ordinary, daily concerns or cry out to Him when we are in deep trouble. Our prayers can express thanksgiving for God’s daily blessings of health, food, shelter, and clothing. We can petition the Lord for special concerns or intercede regarding the needs of others. God hears and answers our prayers, “In the day of my trouble I will call upon you, for you will answer me.” Psalm 86:7.
David appreciated the gift of prayer and used it constantly. Why? Because He knew God intimately and that He is serious about meeting our needs. God loves us and wants the very best for us. Prayer is an important gift that can help make that happen.
I believe prayer is one of God’s best gifts. I also believe prayer is one of the least appreciated and most under-used opportunities we have to join with our Father in what He wants for our life and our role in helping bring about His kingdom on earth.
What is there to love about God? Is prayer one of the reasons you love Him?
Thank you, Lord, for the gift of prayer. Here are some words you may remember,
” Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer, that calls me from a world of care, and bids me at my Father’s throne, make all my wants and wishes known! In seasons of distress and grief, my soul has often found relief, and oft escaped the tempter’s snare, by thy return, sweet hour of prayer.”