If you’re like most people, you are either just coming out of a trial, heading into one, or presently in the thick of it.
While it’s natural to want to escape these unfavorable circumstances, the maturing Christian has learned that these hard seasons can yield surprising fruit (Psalm 119:67–71). Instead of asking God to simply change our circumstances, we pray that God would change us (Psalm 119:25). This comes from the confidence that, even when providence seems to frown, God takes care of his children and arranges all things for our good and his glory (Romans 8:28).
We can easily forget God’s purposes, especially amid the thick fog of a trial or season of chastisement.
This is why I’m particularly thankful for the utility of the Psalms. We are invited to join other believers as they walk through life, experiencing various circumstances, thoughts, and feelings. One of my favorites is Psalm 86, where David is experiencing some unnamed hardship. Instead of retreating into himself, he turns to God and finds refuge in who God is and what he has promised. At the end of the Psalm, David models how to do this. It’s as if he lays three steps for us to walk out of the bog of despair.
Recognize the Unpleasant Circumstances
This is not hard to do; we quickly feel the pinch of trials. It’s not a challenge to discern when the winds shift; instead of being at your back, it’s blowing in your face. Nevertheless, we can just as easily neglect to carry them to God in prayer. Instead of packing it into your prayers, we bear them on our backs. Our Father invites us to cast all our anxieties on him because he cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).
David models this, “O God, insolent men have risen up against me; a band of ruthless men seeks my life, and they do not set you before them.” (Psalm 86:14). He recognizes the unpleasant circumstances and brings them to the Lord. But he doesn’t stop there.
Rehearse God’s Character
Next, David begins to thumb through the attributes of God in his mind. He begins loitering over God’s character. He says,
“But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” (Psalm 86:15)
For the Christian, the trial is never the last word. There is always a “But you, O Lord” to follow. The characteristics of the trial cannot eclipse the character of God! No matter the circumstances, the Christian can always utter the words of hope, “But you, O Lord.” Who God is and what he promises is always a resounding answer to whatever we face. Here, David is likely meditating on the Scriptures from Exodus 34:5–8. Who is this for? It’s not to remind God as if he forgot; it’s to remind David so he doesn’t forget. Amid his trial, he is comforted by the God of the Word as revealed in the Word of God.
Dig and study God’s Word and fill your canteen with refreshing water from the well of life. This will refresh you when you’re parched in the desert of affliction. Psalm 86 is a great place to get started.
For the Christian, the trial is never the last word. There is always a ‘But you, O Lord” to follow.’
Request God’s Care
Notice that the character of God leads to requests from God. David asks according to who God is.
“Turn to me and be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant, and save the son of your maidservant.” (Psalm 86:16)
He knows who God is, so he asks him to act in this way for him. God is a gracious God, so he asks him to give him strength and save him. David has been rehearsing this theme of God’s graciousness throughout this Psalm (Psalm 86:3, 15). He’s recounted how God is a God who hears, answers and helps his people. He does great and wondrous things (Psalm 86:10). He helps and comforts (Psalm 86:17). We can learn the value of knowing God’s character–it shapes how we pray. The Scriptures provide a prompt to pray and a pattern of how to do it.
Conclusion
There are few certainties in life. But you can know for sure that you will encounter trails. They can crush you or be a surprising servant, driving you to God to rehearse his character and request his care. As you do remember as Jesus would’ve prayed this Psalm, he did not receive the comfort or smile of favor. In his darkest hour, insolent men rose up against him, and a band of ruthless men sought his life (15). Instead of leaning into the blessings of the covenant, he drank its curses. He was forsaken so that his children would never be.
