Scripture Notes on Psalm 86
Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. (Psalm 86:4-5)
Some people see God as a task master, harsh and stern and waiting eagerly to punish those who don’t measure up to His expectations… But that is not the God of the Bible.
Some people see God as a distant deity, one who created but then abandoned the world to its own devices and the whims of chance… But that is not the God of the Bible.
Certainly, God is a righteous judge who has to punish sin. Of course He created laws of nature and human freedom and He usually lets them run their course.
Yet, all throughout Scripture we see a dominant characteristic of the God of the Bible that sets Him apart from all others; His steadfast love.
Now because of Christ, God’s grace holds out an invitation to all who call on Him in faith. It’s a promise that when you are bad, God is good. When you fall into sin, God offers forgiveness. When you are faithless, God is faithful, because Jesus has brought you in to the covenant family and God always keeps His covenants.
No matter where you are in your relationship with God right now, call on Him! You see, God abounds with love for you.
-Pastor Phillip
