How does Psalm 86:1 connect to God's responsiveness in 1 John 5:14? The cry for help: Psalm 86:1 “Incline Your ear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.” The assurance of hearing: 1 John 5:14 “And this is the confidence that we have before Him: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” Connecting David’s plea and John’s promise • Same Listener—same God: the LORD who bent His ear to David is the Father who hears every believer in Christ. • Posture of God: “Incline Your ear” highlights God’s willingness; “He hears us” confirms it as a settled fact. • Condition stated differently yet harmonized: – Psalm 86: humility—“I am poor and needy.” – 1 John 5: alignment—“according to His will.” Humility and alignment are two sides of the same heart posture: surrender. • Movement from request to confidence: David prays in hope; John writes from realized assurance. Old-covenant longing meets new-covenant certainty. God’s character revealed • Compassionate: Psalm 34:18—“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted.” • Attentive: Proverbs 15:29—“He hears the prayer of the righteous.” • Faithful: Hebrews 10:23—“He who promised is faithful.” • Sovereign yet personal: Jeremiah 33:3—“Call to Me and I will answer you…” Living it out today • Approach God with childlike honesty about need—He already knows (Matthew 6:8). • Shape requests by Scripture so they line up with His will (John 15:7). • Expect real answers—timely, wise, and loving, whether “yes,” “wait,” or “better.” • Keep confidence rooted in Christ’s finished work, not personal merit (Hebrews 4:14-16). |
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