Psalm 86:1-4 "Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I am poor and needy. (2) Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee. (3) Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily. (4) Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul."
My first instinct is to ask, "Have you ever felt a need for the Lord as
this Psalmist is expressing?" But as I type that first question, I should
really ask, "Is there anyone who has never felt such a need for the
Lord?" In the past months, there have been times when I have
received the answer to my prayer even as I would finish praying. In those
needs, I have cried out for mercy and I know He has heard me for the answer
came immediately. As the answer for relief came, my heart has been filled
with joy for I know the Lord heard and answered. There are other requests for which
I am waiting for the answer. I know that in His time He will give the
answer that is right according to His purpose and His timing. It is in
those times that I cry out for preservation and for perseverance in faith,
believing His love, mercy, and grace are all sufficient. It is that knowledge
of His faithfulness that I can rejoice even as I wait for the answer.
Forgive me for being personal in my devotion this morning, but I pray someone
who may also be in a season of need will be encouraged to seek the Lord. I
cannot tell you how many times in the past 49 years that I have heard Judy
quote this verse to me and to our children: "I sought the LORD, and
he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." (Psalm 34:4) She has
lived by this verse and one other verse that has been our family's verse:
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
(Philippians 4:13) Sometimes those "all things" consist of
waiting upon the Lord while still seeking Him. Through Christ, I can
rejoice while waiting upon the Lord while still seeking Him because He is my
strength and my help.