Psalm 86:5 (NIV)

You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.

Our Verse of the Day is a great reminder that God really does love us! Despite our sins and failures, God declared in Isaiah 43:25, “I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.” Why would God do that for us? Because He remembers His covenant forever … the promise He made … for a thousand generations. (Cf. Psalm 105:8) Yes, the Lord is a compassionate and gracious God … slow to anger … abounding in love and faithfulness. (Cf. Exodus 34:6; Numbers 14:18; Nehemiah 9:17; Psalm 86:15; Psalm 103:8; Joel 2:13; Jonah 4:2) Do you see the diversity of biblical writers who affirmed this same truth?

Psalm 103:13-18 (NIV)

As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him; for He knows how we are formed, He remembers that we are dust. The life of humans is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness with their children’s children— with those who keep His covenant and remember to obey His precepts.

God desires us to be holy. He wants us to be perfected … yet He knows how we are formed and remembers that we are but dust.  In our human state, we will not fully attain the holiness that God requires. But in His love and compassion for His children (those who fear Him), God has provided salvation for us!  God sent His Son, Jesus, so that through Him we might be saved, covered by His holiness, and given His perfect righteousness. Yes, His righteousness is imputed to us through faith! (Cf. Romans 4) For if salvation were possible within ourselves or through our own deeds, then there would be no need of a Savior…. But God, who is rich in mercy, demonstrates His own love for us in this:  While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Cf. Romans 5:8)

I believe there is someone who needs to hear this truth again! Someone here needs assurance that God truly loves them. I say to you, “Do not look at your circumstances. Whatever you might be enduring at this moment will not separate you from the love of God.” (Cf. Romans 8:35-39) My child, my friend, my brother or sister in Christ; I can assure you through the trustworthy Word of God … You are loved! The Father says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” (Cf. Jeremiah 31:3) So I urge you, seek the heart of God! Do not dismiss or forsake the riches of His kindness, forbearance and patience; rather, understand His kindness is intended to lead you to repentance. (Cf. Romans 2:4) For who among any of us can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin? (Cf. Proverbs 20:9)

Yes, I love this Psalm because it draws us to our loving, gracious, and forgiving Lord. It is a prayer that looks to the faithfulness of God in our lives. It prompts us to entrust ourselves to God … it affirms His mercies and compassion … and it encourages us to worship Him who alone is worthy of praise and honor and glory. Indeed, let the inspired prayer of David speak directly to you and be the cry of your own heart this morning:

 

Psalm 86 – A Prayer of David.

¹ Hear me, Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.
² Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God;

³ Have mercy on me, Lord, for I call to you all day long.
⁴ Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you.

⁵ You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.
⁶ Hear my prayer, Lord; listen to my cry for mercy.
⁷ When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me.

⁸ Among the gods there is none like you, Lord; no deeds can compare with yours.
⁹ All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name.
¹⁰ For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.

¹¹ Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.
¹² I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.
¹³ For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths, from the realm of the dead.

¹⁴ Arrogant foes are attacking me, O God; ruthless people are trying to kill me— they have no regard for you.
¹⁵ But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.
¹⁶ Turn to me and have mercy on me; show your strength in behalf of your servant; save me, because I serve you just as my mother did.
¹⁷ Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May He send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion. May He remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings. May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your requests. ~ Psalm 20:1-5