In today’s psalm, David was in big trouble. Verse 14 says that violent men were trying to kill him, and for a soldier who spent much of his life at war, this situation was all too common. But instead of trying to fight his way out, he sought the Lord in prayer – and regardless of the problems that face us, we would do well to follow his example.

But when David prayed, why did he expect things to change? In the first place, because he was in a right relationship with God. In verse 2, he calls himself “godly,” which in the Hebrew contains elements both of kindness and piety. In other words, David was trying to follow the Great Commandment, loving God and loving his fellowman. In this way, he was truly a servant of God, as he calls himself in verses 2 and 4.

This just makes sense. After all, you wouldn’t expect someone to help you after you made it clear that you don’t respect him or that you don’t care about what she thinks. James makes the same point when he says that it is the effective prayer of a righteous man that can accomplish much (James 5:16). So, before we barge in to God’s presence with a long list of problems that need to be fixed, we’d better take a look in the mirror and do some confessing and repenting. We’d better cling to the cross of Christ and claim His righteousness if we want God to hear our prayers.

But in the second place we can be sure that God will not only forgive us but give us what we need because of what David’s prayer has to teach us about God. In verse 5, we are reminded that God is good, and ready to forgive and abundant in faithful, covenant-keeping love for all who call on Him. This is why David says in verse 7 that he is sure God will answer his prayers. And we can have the same certainty today.

Psalm 86:1-7 (NAS)

A Prayer of David . Incline Thine ear, O LORD, and answer me; For I am afflicted and needy.
2 Do preserve my soul, for I am a godly man; O Thou my God, save Thy servant who trusts in Thee.
3 Be gracious to me, O Lord, For to Thee I cry all day long.
4 Make glad the soul of Thy servant, For to Thee, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
5 For Thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon Thee.
6 Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer; And give heed to the voice of my supplications!
7 In the day of my trouble I shall call upon Thee, For Thou wilt answer me.