I Call Out to God - July 22 Readings: 2 Chronicles 7-8, Acts 18:1–17, Psalm 86:1–8, Proverbs 18:6–8

Links to July 22 Readings: 2 Chronicles 7-8, Acts 18:1–17, Psalm 86:1–8, Proverbs 18:6–8

The Psalms are so varied. They ascend the heights of God's glory and plumb the depths of human wickedness. There is hardly an emotion, a life issue or an aspect of a man's relationship with God that is not explored at some point.

But the most common of all of these topics is human pain and suffering. The Psalmist asks why. He rages and moans. He calls out to God for sustaining grace, provision and protection. In Psalm 86, David delves into many of these issues.

We don't know what the provocation was for this psalm. It could have been betrayal by one of his friends, or an attack from an enemy, or some other grief or hardship in life. It is good that we do not know what was troubling David. Our lives are troubled by as many things as came against the King of Israel. One of the readers here may be facing illness, another financial issues. Perhaps another is concerned for wayward children, or a loved one who is sick, or any of a myriad of things that life throws at us. David's approach can be a great reminder to us all.

First, David did the most important thing anyone can do - he took his problems to God. He came in humility, not as the exalted king (such a thing would be nonsense before the truly exalted God), but as one who is "poor and needy." He asked God for help, he did not demand it!

David called out to God for grace, for forgiveness, for the undeserved favor of God.

For you, Lord, are kind and ready to forgive,
rick in faithful love to all who call on you. 

While David laid claim to being a faithful servant of God, he realized that his own sin needed to be dealt with as he came to God for help.

David was persistent in prayer, call out to God "all day long." His prayers were constant, fervent and faithful. God knows our needs and desires, and he hears our prayers, but the Bible makes it clear that he responds to persistent prayer by his people.

When life was hard, David turned to God and called out to him. And every time, he found God faithful. God heard his prayers and forgave him, delivered him, provided for him and protected him.

Father, when I am in distress, may I do as David did and seek you.