There is none like you among the gods, O Lord,
nor are there any works like yours. (Psa 86:8)
Take a moment to reflect on the ways David describes God throughout Psalm 86…
He is a helper and comforter (86:17).
He is great and does wondrous things (86:10).
He is good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon him (86:5).
He is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and overflowing in faithfulness (86:15).
Me, on the other hand? You?
Incline your ear, O LORD, and answer me,
for I am poor and needy. (86:1)
What happens when “I am” meets “you are”? Is it okay for “poor and needy” to intersect with “wondrous and gracious”? It is indeed. In fact, more than okay, it’s what the Lord’s day is all about as the “poor and needy” are invited to call upon the King who is abundantly willing to incline his ear. He hears the plea for grace (86:6). He sees the soul of his servant (86:4). He loves the unworthy person who trusts in him enough to say, “You are my God” (86:2).
…for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. (86:4)
Turn to me and be gracious to me;
give your strength to your servant,
and save the son of your maidservant. (86:16)
This God turns. This God gives. This God cares.
It’s bigger than Sunday mornings. The more I recognize just how desperate I am but how awesome he is, the more likely I’ll be to cast my Monday anxieties on him. The more I realize how poor I am but how generous he is, the more I’ll look to him for meaning and purpose on Tuesday. The more clearly I can see how utterly dependent I am but how faithful he is, the closer I’ll stick to him throughout the week.
“I am… but you, O Lord, are…” It’s the beautiful reality borne out in the beatitudes of Jesus.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”
What happens when “poor and needy” meets “merciful and gracious”? Great and wondrous things can happen.
Teach me your way, O LORD,
that I may walk in your truth;
unite my heart to fear your name.
I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart,
and I will glorify your name forever.
For great is your steadfast love toward me… (86:11-13)
Happy Lord’s day.