Protect Me (Psalm 86)

In a dangerous and selfish world where do we find ultimate protection? Let’s begin in Psalm 86.

A Prayer by David. (WEB)

Do we recognize how poor and helpless we are in reality? Do we recognize that God is our only real protection?

Please listen, Lord, and answer my prayer! I am poor and helpless. Protect me and save me because you are my God. I am your faithful servant, and I trust you. Be kind to me! I pray to you all day. Make my heart glad! I serve you, and my prayer is sincere. (Ps 86:1-4 CEV)

Will an evil world protect us, or do we trust the One who is truly good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love?

For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace. In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me. (Ps 86:5-7 ESV)

In a world of stupid wars, senseless oppression of the poor, and corruption at the highest levels, is there anyone like God?

Lord, there is no one like You among the gods, and there are no works like Yours. All the nations You have made will come and bow down before You, Lord, and will honor Your name. For You are great and perform wonders; You alone are God. (Ps 86:8-10 HCSB)

Have we spent years being indoctrinated by people highly educated in the ways of the world, but none of it has solved our troubles? What if we spent time learning the truth of God’s ways instead?

Teach me your ways, Lord, that I may walk in your truth; let me wholeheartedly revere your name. (Ps 86:11 ISV)

Do we praise politicians, theologians, celebrities, the wealthy, the powerful or God?

I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore. For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell. (Ps 86:12-13 KJV)

Do we live in a world where ruthless people try to scam us, steal from us, cheat us or hurt us in other ways, and do we need divine protection from their schemes?

O God, arrogant men have risen up against me, And a band of ruthless men have sought my life, And they have not set You before them. But You, O Lord, are a God compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth. Turn to me, and be gracious to me; Oh grant Your strength to Your slave, And save the son of Your maidservant. Show me a sign for good, That those who hate me may see it and be ashamed, Because You, O Yahweh, have helped me and comforted me. (Ps 86:14-17 LSB)

In a dangerous world, should we be anxious, or pray, learn to trust God, and let His peace guard our hearts and minds?

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:6-7 NASB)

In a dangerous and selfish world where do we find ultimate protection? You decide!