Psalm 86: Security

​Key Verse
5 For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.6 Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace.
 
Meditation
Security is a basic need for humanity. We live in the most secure period of history, yet fear and insecurity are pandemic. God invites His people to find security in His covenant care by worshipping through today’s Psalm.
 
The supplication for security arises from deep need, knowing God’s character is unchanging (vv. 1-7). David’s petition to be “saved” is an invitation for us to acknowledge our need (v. 1), pray for grace (v. 3, 6, 17), and place trust in our covenant God who abounds in steadfast love. The desperation is great. The steadfast love of God is greater.
 
The only hope for true security is God’s sovereign rule (vv. 8-13). The Lord (His the covenant name mentioned seven times) rules the one who worships and the entire world. David acknowledges seven times he is The Lord’s servant as he celebrates The Lord’s rule over other gods (v. 8), all nations (v. 9), humanity (v. 10), and history (v. 11). Welcoming God’s rule helps us see the greatness of His steadfast love towards those whose trust is in Him (v. 13)!
 
Many will scorn us when our security is in the LORD (v. 14). But God is merciful and gracious (v. 15) and will provide for His servants (v. 16). Christians are confident God will hear our cry and help us (v. 17) because our Savior’s cry from the cross went unanswered, losing the security of the Father’s covenant care by taking the curse of our sin upon Himself. All who belong to Jesus by faith can approach God’s throne of grace with confidence knowing we are secure in Him.
 
Today’s Reading
Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me,
    for I am poor and needy.
2 Preserve my life, for I am godly;
    save your servant, who trusts in you—you are my God.
3 Be gracious to me, O Lord,
    for to you do I cry all the day.
4 Gladden the soul of your servant,
    for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
5 For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving,
    abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.
6 Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer;
    listen to my plea for grace.
7 In the day of my trouble I call upon you,
    for you answer me.
 
8 There is none like you among the gods, O Lord,
    nor are there any works like yours.
9 All the nations you have made shall come
    and worship before you, O Lord,
    and shall glorify your name.
10 For you are great and do wondrous things;
    you alone are God.
11 Teach me your way, O Lord,
    that I may walk in your truth;
    unite my heart to fear your name.
12 I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart,
    and I will glorify your name forever.
13 For great is your steadfast love toward me;
    you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.
 
14 O God, insolent men have risen up against me;
    a band of ruthless men seeks my life,
    and they do not set you before them.
15 But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,
    slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
16 Turn to me and be gracious to me;
    give your strength to your servant,
    and save the son of your maidservant.
17 Show me a sign of your favor,
    that those who hate me may see and be put to shame
    because you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.
 
Richly Dwelling
-What stands out in today’s reading, especially David’s cry for security and trust in God’s steadfast love? 
 
- Where do you know you need God’s security and, in all honesty, where do you look for security? How is that working for you?
 
-Jesus lost security so in Him we can always be secure in God’s sovereign grace. Great is god’s steadfast love for you in Christ! Take time to celebrate the security you have in Christ alone as you ask Him to overwhelm you with His rule over everything. 
 
Key Verse
5 For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.6 Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace.