David prayed, Hear me, Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.

We’ve all prayed a similar prayer. In our distress we seek answers and comfort. Indeed, we should go to the power behind the universe, and God encourages us to carry our needs to him. But as often as we pray like David, we may also feel like no one answers.

David displayed his confidence even as he stewed. You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. Hear my prayer, Lord; listen to my cry for mercy. When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me.

Remembering God’s past responses, David returned to the Lord. He knew his heart was not always right, and he often prayed with selfish motives. But despite his sometimes blatant sins, or maybe because of them, David humbly chased after God.

God answered in response. We don’t know in this case how God answered, if the answer came quickly or slowly, or if the answer was to David’s liking. Maybe the answer was silence? But David took comfort from his relationship with the Lord. His confidence in the one to whom he prayed radiates from the page.

I also have a convoluted relationship with the Lord. But I offer up my distresses and frustrations, trusting in his abounding love to those who call on him. Then I wait for an answer, in whatever form and timing it may appear.

Psalm 86 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Annie Spratt