Seeking

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Seeking

Psalm 86
Andy Nagahara

A. Seek God’s answer to our cry of distress (0-7)

0 A prayer of David. 1 Hear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. 2 Guard my life, for I am devoted to you. You are my God; save your servant who trusts in you. 3 Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I call to you all day long. 4 Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. 5 You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you. 6 Hear my prayer, O LORD; listen to my cry for mercy. 7 In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me.

B. Confess what we know to be true about God (8-10)

8 Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord; no deeds can compare with yours. 9 All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, O Lord; they will bring glory to your name. 10 For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God. 

C. Seek his guidance and desire to be changed (11-13)

11 Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. 12 I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. 13 For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths of the grave. 

D. Look for signs of grace (14-17)

14 The arrogant are attacking me, O God; a band of ruthless men seeks my life– men without regard for you. 15 But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. 16 Turn to me and have mercy on me; grant your strength to your servant and save the son of your maidservant. 17 Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me.

Summary

It is very important to express our desires and longings before God. In times of suffering, it is easy to wonder whether or not our cries ever reach God or if he is even listening to us. This was true for the psalmist. It all starts from crying, “Listen to me and answer me!” God knows the way out of our current struggles, offers comfort in our fears about the future, and he answers those who seek him.

For Discussion

  1. What do you desire right now?
  2. What did Jesus ask from his father in prayer?