Psalm 86: 
“You Alone Are God—So to You Alone I Shall Cry” 
“Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I am poor and needy”

“Title.-[A prayer of David.] The psalm is throughout a prayer, not meditation (cf. title, Ps 90).”  (From Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary, Electronic Database.  Copyright (c) 1997 by Biblesoft).  It has also been called, “Prayer of a Persecuted Saint.”

As we study the three sections of Psalm 86, let us think about the way we will approach God in prayer when others cause trouble for us.  Let us also remember that our prayers will not be heard if we harbor ill will and evil thinking in our souls—even when we have been hurt for no other reason than the fact that we are doing that which we have a right to do.

The structure of our outline is very simple: there are three sections, and each section has two parts.  Each section has a statement of fact and a commitment on the part of the author that is based on the facts.  He is saying, “Since such and such is true, here is what I will do.”  Let us learn the nature of God and His desire to help us so well that we always do everything upon the foundation of truth.

While we live on earth, our souls, bodies, minds, and hearts are all bound together.  Almost everything that affects one part of a person affects the other parts.  Our poet is writing with this in mind.  He is in great need, and his whole being desires the kindnesses of God.  He prays about his “poverty,” his life, his soul, and his need for forgiveness.  He requests that Jehovah will “bow down,” “hear,” “preserve,” “save,” “be merciful,” and “rejoice the soul.”  He knows that God is “good,” “ready to forgive,” and “abundant in mercy” (vv.1-5).

Therefore, he is confident that God will answer. He knows that he can approach God as any holy person can.  And he has no doubt that the Lord will honor his request to “give ear,” and “attend” to him in his trouble (vv.6, 7).

“‘Among the gods’—that is, among the gods conceived in the minds or made with the hands of men—there is none that can even begin to compare to the only true God (John 17:3; I Thess. 1:9) and the works which He has accomplished.  ‘He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion… The Lord of hosts is his name’ (Jer. 10:12,16).” (The Book of Psalms, II, p.101; edited by Bill Jackson).  It is very common for Bible writers to draw attention to the God Who deserves to hear “How Great Thou Art” by contrasting Him with the idols of human invention.  We would do well to have more lessons on this today, since paganism has covered the face of the earth again.  Let us make time to contrast the nature and works of God with the idols.  Let us do this by learning Bible stories, and let us do this by applying it to the current “gods” of the human race.  Let us do this soon, for we will lose the race if we don’t (vv.8-10).

The poet expresses his desire to be taught the way of God after he contrasts God with the “gods.”  He is confident that as he learns the way of God, he will walk in it and praise Jehovah wholeheartedly and unendingly.  Note the phrase “unite my heart to fear thy name” (v. 11).  This is the only time that this phrase is in the Bible.  It is truly worth our time to learn what it means.  Kirkpatrick says, “Let it be no longer divided between Thee and other attractions; let all its powers and affections be concentrated in reverence to Thee as Thou hast revealed Thyself in the works of creation and in acts of redemption.  The unity and uniqueness of God demand unity of heart in His worshippers (Deut 6:4,5; 10:12).  Such singleheartedness is frequently expressed by the phrases ‘a whole heart,’ ‘a perfect heart,’ but the verb unite is found here only in this sense.  Doubtless it is an allusion to the promise in Jer. 32:39, ‘I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me for ever’” (Commentary on Psalms, p. 517).

The author’s personal life had included the reception of God’s spiritual blessings; which was part of the motivation leading to this outburst of praise (vv. 11-13).

Do you have “unity of heart” based upon the truth that Jehovah is the One God?

Physical danger—this was one problem for the author.  It was serious and current.  He needed God!  And physical danger carries spiritual implications, for the choices we make in dangerous situations can cost us our eternity, even if we save our lives.  So, let us do what the poet did—let us rely on God and His ways in all of our difficulties (v. 14).

The request for mercy is three verses long.  Rather than dwelling on his problems, David turns to God.  He has learned that it is better to think about God, and meditate on His character, His offer to help, and His past actions than to focus on the details of his present distress (vv. 15-17).

SICK LIST:  Jimmie Hill’s brother had back surgery this past week.  Electa Wilson is at Gwinnett Extended Care.  Let’s remember those who are ill and their families in our prayers.
 

PLANTATION SOUTH:  Group 2 is in charge of the services today at 1:30. 

LADIES’ CLASS AND CHILDREN’S CLASS:  These classes will resume in September.  Thanks for your support during the school year!

BIBLE CAMP:  Bible Camp will be June 13-16.  In lieu of the food sign-up sheet we’ve had in the past, we are asking for a $5-10 donation from those who would like to help with the cost of camp.  See Lynn or Helen.  We also need to borrow tents, air mattresses, cots, outdoor extension cords, large cooking pans and skillets, and coolers.  If you have any of these items and could loan them for camp, please bring them Sunday and leave them on the tables in the basement near the doors.  Thanks for helping make our camp a success!

VBS:  Vacation Bible School is planned for July 11-13 (Wednesday-Friday) from 7:30-9:00.  Our theme this year is Leadership—Personal, Home, and Church.  Please make plans to be here every night.  If you would like to help (teach, co-teach, help with refreshments, bulletin board, etc.) please see William Howard.