Psalm 85 & 86: God Is Gracious
Verse of the Day: (86:15) But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.
1. God Is Good (85:1-13)
Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase. (85:12)
The sons of Korah were grateful to God for sparing their lives, as their father, Korah, had led a rebellion against God and Moses, His chosen leader. God then judged and slayed Korah and many others who joined in the dissent. The sons of Korah knew that they could have been killed, if not because of God’s goodness and mercy. In this psalm, the sons of Korah pleaded with God for His goodness, mercy, truth and salvation to them and Israel, as they shared His attributes to Israel so that they might truly know and fear Him. Indeed, God is good as He shall keep His people in His perfect peace, and grant us with great harvests. Let us fear God, and do good, as he who does good is of God. (3 John 11)
2. God Is Great (86:1-14)
For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone. (86:10)
Beside the sons of Korah, King David also cried and praised God daily for His mercy, goodness and forgiveness, as he could have been slayed for his immorality and wickedness. God heard David’s prayer of repentance, and forgave him his sins. (2 Samuel 12:1-23) Even though David reaped the severe consequences of his sins, yet he still praised and worship God for who He is, and how great He is, and the marvellous works that He had done for, with, in and through him and Israel. He daily prayed to God to truly teach him to walk in His truth, fear His name, praise and glorify His name forevermore. Like King David, and the man of Gadarenes whom Jesus cast out many demons from him, let us praise and worship God for who He is, and what great things He has done in, for, with and through us, especially our precious salvation. (Luke 8:26-40)
3. God Is Gracious (86:15-17)
Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me. (86:17)
Though King David time and again experienced many crises and challenges from his royal family, as well as from his wicked enemies who hated God and His people, yet he kept trusting, praising and praying to God for His forgiveness, compassion, longsuffering, mercy and truth. Indeed, as David sought after, cried and prayed to God, He heard, helped and comforted him to the end. Let us lay aside all lies and hypocrisies, and seek God and His Word, and be truthful and sincere to all, including our enemies, and like David, it is because we have tasted God’s goodness, greatness and grace. (1 Peter 2:1-3)
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that You are my good, great and gracious God amid crises.
