Psalm 86:11-17 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 86:11-17 on biblegateway.com
Verse 11Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart to revere your name.
Verse 12I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever.
Verse 13For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.
Verse 14O God, the insolent rise up against me; a band of ruffians seeks my life, and they do not set you before them.
Verse 15But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
Verse 16Turn to me and be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant; save the child of your serving girl.
Verse 17Show me a sign of your favor, so that those who hate me may see it and be put to shame, because you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.
Devotion
“Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart to fear your name.” The psalmist understood that knowing the truth does not come from within us; it is God’s gift. This believer knew that truth was not a collection of abstract ideas discovered by pondering the mysteries of the universe. We come to know the truth about life by following the One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life—our Lord Jesus Christ. As God’s faithful servants, we are strengthened by God’s Spirit, who gives us undivided hearts so that we may experience God’s mercy and grace each day.
As we depend on God to direct our steps through life and walk in God’s truth, we discover each day that God is indeed merciful and gracious, abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, and we respond by giving thanks to God with our whole hearts.
Prayer
O Lord, thank you for showing us in Christ the ultimate sign of your love and favor. Keep us steadfast in your word alone. Walk with us each day and teach us how to honor you and glorify your holy name. Amen.
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