There’s praise amidst the problems. Worship despite the worry. Thanksgiving even among the threat.

That’s the overall sense I get as I noodle on Psalm 86 this morning.

It’s a song of David. A “poor and needy” David sings of a “band of ruthless men” having risen up against him and seeking his life. “All the day,” David’s plea has been “preserve my life.” When the going get’s tough, time to cry out!

But here’s the thing, even in his desperate situation, it’s not all 9-1-1 prayers. Though it’s being “in the day of trouble” that compels David to call on God, David doesn’t do so without also remembering who the God is he is calling out to — he also renders to God the honor and glory due His name. So, while David repeatedly asks God to be gracious to him; though he pleads with God for grace to find strength; though he cries out, “Show me a sign of Your favor”; still his song is also heavily weighted with worship.

There is none like You among the gods, O Lord,
       nor are there any works like Yours.
All the nations You have made shall come
       and worship before You,
       O Lord, and shall glorify Your name.
For You are great and do wondrous things;
       You alone are God.
Teach me Your way, O LORD,
       that I may walk in Your truth;
       unite my heart to fear Your name.
I give thanks to You, O Lord my God, with my whole heart,
       and I will glorify Your name forever.
For great is Your steadfast love toward me;
       You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.

(Psalm 86:8-13 ESV)

David’s not just lobbing up some last-ditch, “hail Mary” attempt at prayer as he cries out for God’s intervention. Rather, he calls upon the God whom he has known. Known, through the sacred record of Moses, as the God who called Abraham with a promise and delivered the children of Israel from Egypt with a vengeance. Known, in his own experience, having been personally called by God to the throne, empowered of God to slay the giant, lifted up by God to experience the mountain top, and cared for by God in valley after valley. David cries out to the God who he has encountered up close and personal, again and again, as the God who proves Himself faithful.

And so while David knows the need for the day is great, David also knows that His God is greater. Though there is a pit in his stomach as he awakes and wonders how he will combat his enemies this day, there is also praise on his tongue as he remembers that there is none like his God–the God who has promised never to leave him nor forsake him. So while he might want to refuse the day before him, yet will He rejoice in his God who walks beside him.

Gladden the soul of your servant,
       for to You, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.

(Psalm 86:4 ESV)

Even in hard seasons and trying circumstance, our God infuses a certain joy within the soul lifted up to Him. He puts praise on the tongue of those who will take but a few minutes to meditate on Him. He gives a new song to the voice that will declare, despite the circumstance, “You are worthy!”

A gladdened soul, that’s what God gives regardless of the circumstance. Prayers weighted with worship, even in times of worry. Because of a good, good Father who never changes.

Praise Him for His abounding grace. Worship Him, giving Him everlasting glory!

Amen?