What is the meaning of Psalm 86:15? But You, O Lord David begins by lifting his eyes from the threats around him to the Lord Himself. The simple contrast “But You” turns the whole psalm from danger to confidence. • Psalm 73:26 echoes this pivot: “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” • When fears crowd in, Scripture repeatedly invites us to shift our focus: “Fix your eyes on Jesus” (Hebrews 12:2). • A personal address—“O LORD”—reminds us that we speak to the covenant-keeping God who has revealed His name and character (Exodus 3:14-15). Are a compassionate and gracious God “Compassionate” speaks of the Lord’s tender concern, and “gracious” of His unearned favor. Together they tell us He aches with us and acts for us. • In Exodus 34:6 the Lord proclaims the same two traits first: “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious…”—a foundational revelation that threads through all of Scripture. • Jesus embodies both qualities when He feeds the hungry crowd: “I have compassion for these people” (Matthew 15:32) and freely provides. • Ephesians 2:4-5 celebrates the same heart: “But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ… it is by grace you have been saved.” Slow to anger God’s patience means He holds back righteous wrath, giving space for repentance and renewal. • 2 Peter 3:9 explains, “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise… but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish.” • Jonah 4:2 reluctantly admits this quality when Nineveh repents. • Romans 2:4 asks, “Do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?” Abounding in loving devotion “Loving devotion” translates the loyal, covenant love that never runs dry. God doesn’t ration affection; He overflows with it. • Lamentations 3:22-23 rejoices: “Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning.” • Psalm 103:8-12 piles up superlatives to describe this love that removes our sins “as far as the east is from the west.” • Jesus illustrates this abundance in the parable of the prodigal son, where the father runs, embraces, and celebrates the returning child (Luke 15:20-24). And faithfulness God’s loyalty means He keeps every promise, every time. The psalmist can rest because God never wavers. • Numbers 23:19 assures us, “God is not a man, that He should lie… Has He spoken, and will He not fulfill?” • Hebrews 10:23 urges, “Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” • Revelation 19:11 even names Christ “Faithful and True,” the rider who will finish all He began. summary Psalm 86:15 gathers five radiant facets of the Lord’s character—His personal nearness, compassion, grace, patience, loyal love, and absolute reliability. Each trait anchors our prayers and fuels our hope. When life feels shaky, we cling to the God who is unchangingly compassionate, gracious, patient, loving, and faithful. |
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