Psalm 86:1

Psalm 86:1

The Lord’s servant pleads for God’s help

 

We don’t know for sure who wrote this Psalm although David is credited with it and it certainly has the characteristics of some of his earlier compositions. The writer was obviously a humble man. In verse 2 he asks that God will save His servant and the servant is mentioned again in verse 16. The entire Psalm suggests total dependence on the Lord against constant and arrogant attacks from enemies. 

The use of the term “servant” when it came to a relationship with God was not common. It applied to those who had a special task, who had been delegated responsibilities, who served the Lord directly and who were engaged in His business by a calling. Thus, a godly king would see himself as a servant of the Lord. 

As we meditate on each verse, let us do so as servants; those who have been called, those who have been appointed for certain tasks, those who serve the Lord directly and who therefore face attacks from God’s enemies.  

 

V1        The use of the word “poor” here, does not necessarily apply to worldly wealth, or lack of it. The writer is not claiming to be without possessions, but he is saying that he does not have the resources to save himself! If we think we can bring about our own deliverance from our enemies, or that we can keep ourselves safe or even secure our own peace of mind and inner well-being, then we cannot claim to be poor before God. The spiritual life is about dependence, about submission, about recognising our poverty and being prepared to throw ourselves on the mercy, compassion and provision of the Lord God. In this context, the poorer we become, the richer we will be! 

In my own walk I have experienced that growing dependence over many years, and I praise God for it. How easy it was, as a young man, to be in control, so much so that I barely needed to consult the Lord about anything! Things have changed – slowly, for as I grow older, wiser and weaker, I understand better how much I need Him. Hallelujah! 

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