Psalm 86

1. Bow down thine ear, O Lord, hear me: for I am poor and needy.
2. Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee.
3. Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily.
4. Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
5. For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
6. Give ear, O Lord, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications.
7. In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me.
8. Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works.
9. All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name.
10. For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.
11. Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.
12. I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.
13. For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell.
14. O God, the proud are risen against me, and the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soul; and have not set thee before them.
15. But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.
16. O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; give thy strength unto thy servant, and save the son of thine handmaid.
17. Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, Lord, hast holpen me, and comforted me.

Psalm 86 is a heartfelt prayer of David, seeking God’s attention and mercy in a time of need. The psalm opens with a plea for God to hear and respond to David’s prayers, emphasizing his humility and dependence on God’s help. David acknowledges his own poverty and neediness, asking God to preserve his soul because he trusts in Him.

David’s cry for mercy is a daily one, highlighting his persistent reliance on God. He lifts up his soul to God, seeking joy and rejoicing in his relationship with the Lord. David praises God for His goodness, readiness to forgive, and abundant mercy towards those who call upon Him.

The psalmist expresses confidence that God will answer his prayers in times of trouble. He declares God’s uniqueness and the incomparable nature of His works, acknowledging that all nations will ultimately worship and glorify God’s name.

David seeks divine guidance, asking God to teach him His ways and unite his heart in reverent fear of the Lord. He commits to praising and glorifying God forever, recognizing the greatness of God’s mercy that has delivered him from dire circumstances.

Despite the threats from proud and violent men, David finds solace in God’s compassion, grace, patience, mercy, and truth. He prays for God’s continued strength and deliverance, asking for a visible sign of God’s favor that will shame his enemies and affirm God’s support and comfort.

Psalm 86 beautifully encapsulates a personal, earnest plea for divine intervention and guidance, rooted in a deep trust in God’s character and promises. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking God in times of trouble and praising Him for His enduring mercy and faithfulness.