Psalms 85–86 - Pleading for God's mercy, salvation, and guidance, and trusting in His goodness.
I checked the BYU Religious Studies Center (rsc.byu.edu) and the Joseph Smith Papers (josephsmithpapers.org) for a source connected to Psalms 85–86. While there were general articles on Psalms, none specifically focused on Psalms 85–86 in a way that fit the devotional's morning intention and theme as well as a more direct commentary from the Gospel Library.
Today's reading, Psalms 85–86, offers a profound plea for divine mercy and guidance, emphasizing a reliance on God's enduring goodness.
We begin by turning to the scriptures:
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ps/85?lang=eng
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ps/86?lang=eng
In Psalms 85, the psalmist recalls God's past mercies, acknowledging His forgiveness and restoration of His people, and then pleads for a renewal of that mercy and salvation. He yearns for righteousness and peace to flourish, expressing a hope that the Lord will "show us thy mercy, O Lord, and grant us thy salvation." Psalms 86 continues this fervent prayer, with David calling upon the Lord to hear his petition, save him, and teach him God's way. He expresses his devotion and trusts in God's goodness and readiness to forgive, affirming, "For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee." The psalmist seeks guidance and a unified heart to fear God's name, testifying of God's great mercy and deliverance from the "lowest hell." These psalms beautifully articulate a humble reliance on God's character—His goodness, mercy, and faithfulness—as the foundation for receiving divine help and guidance in all circumstances.
A commentary from the Church's Gospel Library on Psalms 86 highlights the deeply personal nature of David’s prayer, where he expresses a strong need for God's mercy and guidance. The commentary notes that David petitions God not only for deliverance from his enemies but also for instruction in the way of truth, demonstrating his desire to walk in righteousness. It further explains that David’s testimony of God’s goodness and willingness to forgive provides a model for us to approach God with faith, even when feeling distressed.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/old-testament-student-manual-genesis-2-samuel/psalms-and-proverbs/psalms-39-95?lang=eng
What does David's plea in Psalms 86, "Unite my heart to fear thy name" (verse 11), suggest about the nature of true devotion and how it relates to receiving God's guidance?
As you reflect on these psalms, take a moment to intentionally recall and bear testimony of specific acts of God's mercy and deliverance in your own life and in the scriptures. How do these personal and scriptural testimonies strengthen your trust in His goodness and readiness to forgive, even amidst current challenges?