Oh, Lord . . .

"O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help. Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord; hear my urgent cry. I will call to you whenever I'm in trouble, and you will answer me." — Psalm 86:5-7 Psalm 86 is a Psalm of Supplication and Trust. It's a beautiful Psalm of David about prayer. Have you ever been in trouble? Boy, I have, big time! Sometimes it was not my fault, but most of the time it was. Before I became a Christian, I tried to finagle or lie my way out of trouble, or blame someone else for my predicament. When I came to Jesus, however, I learned that even when I got in trouble, I could call on Him and ask for help, even when it was my fault. David learned that God doesn't desert us when we don't do well. In fact, that's when He steps up to be heard when we call upon Him, even when our plea is on behalf of others. One mother tells this story about how she would spend every Wednesday praying and fasting for her college-aged daughter who was in deep rebellion. One day the girl seemed to hear a voice. The idea of it being God didn't cross her mind because for years she had been leading a hostile lifestyle. "My life was in reality a miserable one," she confessed. "But I lived it because I did what I wanted, and I didn't want to change." Rock music was playing over her stereo, but she seemed to hear the voice again. She looked around; there was no one. She checked the entire house, but no one else was around. "If no one was in the house, but someone was calling for me, it had to be God. So I asked if He was the one." "Yes" was the clear reply. Within moments, she broke down and invited the eternal King into her life. When her mother came home later, the girl said, "I have something to tell you!" Apprehensive, her mother prepared herself for terrible news. "I just gave my life to God. I love God and I love you." Seems unreal doesn't it? Until you read these verses from Psalm 86 again: "O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help. Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord; hear my urgent cry. I will call to you whenever I'm in trouble, and you will answer me." Brother Lawrence, a 16th century monk, adds these thoughts about prayer, "There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful than that of continual conversation with God. Those only can comprehend it who practice and experience it." Thanks be to a faithful mom who liked to talk to a faithful God. Is there someone that needs Him on your heart today? Our Lord is ready to hear from you. Maranatha!