Listening to the news or talk shows will often reveal corruption and ungodliness in high places. As things are exposed people may ask and wonder, “Is God really in control?” While it may seem like people in a position with power are in more control than God, they are not. Matthew 5:45 tells us that God makes the sun to rise, an act that mankind only wishes they had the power to do. Yes, God sees all, knows all, and is in control, therefore we need to continue to pray for God to do a mighty work in our nation and world.

 

In Psalm 86 David was facing a time of deep trouble, and we are blessed to see his prayer of heartfelt emotion to God. David’s problem was desperate; he felt that without God’s help he could perish because of the number of people against him (vrs 14). We are usure what David was facing, but from his statements he felt it was life threatening. Still, he confidently knew that God would hear his prayer, because he trusted in Him.

 

Throughout the Psalm David cries out for God’s mercy and for Him to hear because He is God alone. David knew (verses 6-7) that if the loving, merciful God heard his plea, then He would answer favorably. He knew that God was not a fair-weather friend, and that instead He could be counted on even in the day of trouble. David confidently declared, “You will answer me” (vrs 7).

Spurgeon commented on this passage, “Our experience confirms us in the belief that Jehovah the living God really does aid those who call upon him, and therefore we pray and mean to pray, not because we are so fascinated by prayer that for its own sake we would continue in it if it proved to be mere folly and superstition, as vain philosophers assert; but because we really, indeed, and of a truth, find it to be a practical and effectual means of obtaining help from God in the hour of need.”

 

What are some truths from this passage that we can rest upon?

 

First, in difficult times, remember your trust in God, and the fact that He does hear our prayers. God is our God and is God Alone. Remember who He is and never forget His attributes.

 

Second, remember what God does. "For Thou art great and doest wondrous things; You alone are God" (vrs 10). "Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." (Jer. 33:3). God can do “exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think.” Ephesians 3:20-21

 

Third, remember what God promises. He promises to answer us. Jesus said, "Ask, and it will be given to you" (Matt. 7:7). "You do not have because you do not ask" (James 4:2).

 

Sometimes our trouble or pain is so great that all we can do is cry out to God. When you cry out and there seems to be no relief in sight, remember to acknowledge the greatness of God and look for better days ahead. The conviction and trust that God answers prayer will sustain us in difficult times.

 

Let’s take time to refocus and pray for our Nation. God is in control, He hears our prayers, and there are perfect days ahead under His Almighty Guidance. Till then we have a responsibility to pray and bring our cares to Him because only God can bring the healing that our Nation stands in need of.

 

2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.