A Devo From Scot - Psalm 86

Dear Church,

Well, here you are in August 2020. You made it this far. Congratulations. I know you have the strength to continue. I know that, because I know just a scratch of the strength of your Heavenly Father. There’s nothing He can’t do. Even as we look down the road to the start(?) of school for our kids, many of us are still concerned with jobs, finances, finding a job, extending the finances. There are some challenges ahead. But take a moment to look at the challenges the Father has already seen you through. He’ll continue to guide you and fill you.

Today, I want to ring the bell yet again - during the challenges of this season it is more important than you realize to give attention to your spirit, to tend your heart, to carve out space and time to sit with Jesus in His Word. Today, I want you to read Psalm 86, one of my favorites. It was written by David, and from the very beginning you can see its perfect relevance to today. I hope you find time to read it more than once. Slowly. Intentionally.

As you do, read statements like verses 4 and 5 and then immediately return to them as a prayer. Say them from your heart. Borrow the language from David and say in the voice of your heart. “Father, make glad the soul [this word really means the whole of a person’s life] of your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in lovingkindness [a word closely related to loyal and gracious] to all who call upon You.”

I have often made verses 11 and 12 a prayer of my heart. Because my heart, I’m not sure about yours, is often divided and burdened by anxieties, cares, what-ifs and regrets. And when my heart is divided, it never feels fully alive. So I have often prayed the words of David, and invite you to do the same today. “Teach me Your way, O LORD; I will walk in your truth; Unite my heart to fear [this means reverential awe] Your name. I will give thanks to You, O Lord my God, with all my heart [a united heart], and will glorify Your name forever.”

You see, dear one, God provides all that we need for times in the fog of confusion or the pit of despair. Even the words. Just say them back to Him from your heart. Then watch what He does.

I love you church,

Scot