Psalm 86:1–12
King James Version
“For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.” — Psalm 86:5
“In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me.” — Psalm 86:7
New American Standard Bible 1995
“For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You.” — Psalm 86:5
“In the day of my trouble I shall call upon You, For You will answer me.” — Psalm 86:7
English Standard Version
“For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.” — Psalm 86:5
“In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me.” — Psalm 86:7
People look at me and think a founder must know the way. The cafés are open, the Academy is running and the beans are roasting at URA. Surely the man in front has a plan. The honest truth is that many mornings, I don’t.
This month we opened at OUE Downtown Gallery. The Gateway café is barely five weeks old. Batam is coming. On the MRT to work, I look calm, phone in hand like everyone else. Inside, I am a hairline away from fear. There is payroll to meet, a Restarter who didn’t turn up, and a machine that broke down in the morning rush. The waves slam in, one after another. I live in constant alertness, like a guard who never gets to sit down. Breakdown feels like something just waiting for its turn.
I know this feeling. Years ago, in my addiction, fear ruled me and I ran from it. Through Crossroads and Teen Challenge, under Pastor Paul Tan, I learnt a different way. I stopped running from my weakness and started running to God with it.
That is what David does in Psalm 86. His enemies want him dead (v. 14). He does not pretend to be strong. He says plainly, “I am poor and needy” (v. 1). Then he holds on to who God is: good, ready to forgive, overflowing with steadfast love. He prays like a child who knows his father will come.
Whatever our age, there is a child inside each of us who aches to be seen, heard and loved. At Changi, I see it in grown men who weep when we pray for their mothers. At the café, I see it in a young Restarter who checks whether I am still upset after a mistake. I see it in myself at 2am, staring at the ceiling of my flat.
Looking back over my life, God has never once failed me. Not when I was failing in strength. Not even when I was failing in faith. The Holy Spirit keeps giving me the choice to stand in faith instead of fear. I seek Him daily, not because I am holy, but because I need Him.
So let me ask you. What wave is slamming into you this week? What are you carrying quietly, smiling on the outside, shaking on the inside? Have you told anyone you are tired? Have you told God?
Stop for a moment. Name that fear. Say it to Him plainly, as David did. Then wait with expectation, not dread. The same God who answered David, and who has carried a broken man like me, is ready to answer you. You are weak, and that is all right, because He is mighty.
Are you seeking Him?
Prayer
Dear Father, You alone are God. I come to You poor and needy, tired of pretending to be strong. Thank You for never failing me, even when my faith runs thin. Take my fear and teach me to wait on You with expectation. When the waves come again tomorrow, let me run to You first. Help me trust You, because You alone are God. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Soli Deo Gloria
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” — Isaiah 41:10 (KJV)
The Caffeine Experience · Brewing Coffee & Second Chances
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