Psalm 86 is attributed to David, “the man after God’s own heart”. I point that out as it starts with a very bold lead-in: Listen to me, God, because I’m godly. Other translations indicate David saying something more along the lines of being aligned to God, faithful to God, trusting in God. The interesting thing here is that David isn’t attributing his godliness to his own actions: “For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving.” He is attributing God’s willingness to listen to him on the basis of their relationship - that David pursues God and is aligned to (is the servant of) God.

David, knowing that he is a sinner proclaims that he is godly - because God has forgiven him. This perspective is important because those who view themselves as Christian failures because of what they have done miss the life-giving, affirming peace that Christ gives us through His ministry of reconciliation of us to God.

David continues, stating that God is “good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon” God.

“In the day of my trouble… You answer me.” David expresses his faith in God that God will take note of his personal situation and answer him. Perhaps this confidence or hope comes from David’s past experience with God’s faithfulness through times of similar distress, opposition, anguish or fear. Cross-reference IS 12:2: “Surely it is God Who saves me”.

David focuses in on God’s qualities and the attributes that set God apart from all others. Then he alludes to there being more than just the Nation of Israel being the ones who come to God, as “all the nations” God has made will worship the Lord.

David makes a point of saying that he will give thanks to God with his whole heart. It is important that our hearts are 100% aligned to God, and that we give thanks and glorify God in our lives. Many difficult times come along for everyone. But what do you focus on? Can you find ways to give thanks to God now, in the midst of whatever turmoil is churning in your life? We will always have challenges and strife. And we can always find things to be grateful for and give thanks with our whole heart. It is a choice of focus. Great is God’s steadfast love toward us - yes even, or maybe especially, in the LGBT+ community!

And, then in verse 16, David prays for strength. In the midst of our battles, trusting in God and remembering with thanks how God saves us here and now, it is yet appropriate to acknowledge the source of our strength and ask for continued grace.

As I trust in God, and give thanks with my whole heart for all God has done for me, I ask and trust that God will give me the strength to follow God.

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated into any other language.