Psalms 85–86 - Pleading for God's mercy, salvation, and guidance, and trusting in His goodness.
Here is your daily Come Follow Me devotional for today.
Scripture Reference(s):
* Psalms 85: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ps/85?lang=eng
* Psalms 86: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ps/86?lang=eng
Context:
Psalm 85, attributed to the sons of Korah, is a communal prayer likely offered by a people who had previously experienced God's deliverance, perhaps the return from captivity, and now found themselves in new difficulties, pleading for renewed restoration and salvation. It speaks of God speaking peace to His people and the beautiful imagery of mercy and truth meeting together. Psalm 86, a unique Psalm attributed to David in Book III of Psalms, is a deeply personal lament. In it, David, calling himself "poor and needy," earnestly implores God for mercy, strength, and guidance amidst personal trials and enemies, testifying of God's abundant goodness and forgiveness.
Reflective Questions:
1. Psalm 85 recalls God's past mercies and then pleads for renewed salvation. How can reflecting on specific instances of divine intervention and blessings in our own lives strengthen our faith and embolden us to seek God's help during current struggles?
2. David in Psalm 86 asks God to "teach me thy way... unite my heart to fear thy name" (Psalm 86:11). What does it mean to have an "undivided heart" in our pursuit of God's way, and how can we more fully align our desires and actions with His will?
Closing Tying Insight:
These psalms beautifully illustrate that our journey with God often involves seasons of both remembering past deliverances and earnestly pleading for renewed mercy and guidance in present challenges. Whether through communal prayers for restoration or individual cries for help, we learn that the Lord is "good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee" (Psalm 86:5). As we humbly approach Him with an undivided heart, recalling His enduring faithfulness and trusting in His boundless compassion, we can indeed find refuge and the promise of His sustaining power.