“Hear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Guard my life, for I am devoted to you. You are my God; save your servant who trusts in you. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I call to you all day long. Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.“

Psalm 86:1-14 

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AUGUST 25, 2025

Psalm 86 is a psalm of David. Could this have been composed before he became king? As David fled from Saul, he could have been described as poor and needy.  

Yet any of us who come to God in earnest prayer is also poor and needy. David’s plea is both a cry for acknowledgement and a confession of his desperate need for God—which is our greatest necessity as well. We, like David, must approach God expectantly, while at the same time recognizing our brokenness. 

David’s request of God to guard his life indicates imminent danger; this was certainly his lot while he was a fugitive from Saul. His articulation of devotion to God is a statement that we might be hesitant to claim so publicly. We desire to be devoted to God, but in reality we struggle to set our minds on things above. David made his share of mistakes, but he consistently returned to God in contrite humility.  

Our theme for this week is, “Why Ask?” The answer “You are my God” is apt to this query. It is a profound statement that recognizes the Lord God as the singular source of divine sovereignty, and a personal commitment to abide under His authority. We ask God because no one else can address things that really matter. He alone is the originator of real love. He alone understands our fears and failures and can put them into proper perspective. He alone grants salvation to those who trust in Him. He alone is merciful on the basis of the death and resurrection of His Son, which obtained forgiveness of our sin and signified His confirmation of the sufficiency of the sacrifice of His Son on our behalf. 

The real question before every one of us is: Can we genuinely say “You are my God”?  

Do I have a love for Him inspired by His unconditional love for me? Have I given Him ownership over all other relationships and material things in my life? Is there daily evidence of my obedience to His word? Is He the priority in my thoughts and motives? Do I follow Jesus into places and situations where there is nothing else to trust except Him alone?  

Questions for reflection and discussion:  

  • What evidence could you cite from your life that would allow you to claim “You are my God”?  
  • How has a realization of God’s unconditional love for you stimulated compassion for others?  
  • Where have you taken yourself of late that forced you to trust in Jesus alone? 

Church Reading Plan: 1 Samuel 17; Romans 15