Psalm 86

1. This psalm contains a list of prayer requests from David. It is obvious that David is distressed, and asks God for several things. There are about 14 requests in the psalm.

2. The first request is common to many of the psalms, and that is that God will listen to the prayer. David continues verse 1 by giving us some indication of his status: “I am afflicted and needy.”

3. In verse 2 David asks for God’s preservation, but he also points out that he is a righteous man. I don’t think this is coming from a place of arrogance; rather, David is trying to “make a case” before God so He will listen and grant the requests.

4. Verses 3 and 4 provide us with an insight into the totality of David’s suffering. He is crying out to God (an outward expression) so that his soul will be glad (inward). He also says that he has lifted up his soul to God.

5. Verse 5 would make a great devotional lesson, reminding young people that God does care. The verse reminds us that God is (1) Lord, (2) good, (3) forgiving, (4) kind and (5) listening.

6. Verse 7, in English, almost seems as though David is commanding God to answer, but I don’t think that’s the full import of the verse. David is saying that God will listen even when David is in trouble. It is not a command; it is a statement of fact.

7. David has seen false “gods” all around him (probably some even among his people), and has compared those gods to the God of Heaven. None are like Him and none can do as He does (verse 8). In fact, in verse 10, David powerfully says, “You alone are God.” Others may come between us and God, but nothing else is God.

8. Verse 11 gives an great pattern for our attitudes. David makes the request of God to learn of His ways and to unite his heart with the heart of God. The result? “I will walk in your truth.” The more we learn about God, the more we will want to be with Him and learn of Him.

9. In verse 13, David says that he has been so low that he has been to the very depths of Sheol, but God was still willing and able to deliver him from that terrible place. We all need to be reminded of this great truth: there is no where we can go that God is not, and there is no sin we can commit that God will not forgive if we are willing to repent.

10. Verses 14 and 15 provide a study in the difference between the God of righteousness and the men of this world. Men are arrogant, violent and self-serving; while God is merciful, gracious, merciful, kind and true. Why not serve Him?

11. The final two verses make one last plea to God for help. David wishes for help because he needs it, but also so that those who are against him will see how wonderful God is and what He can do.