“For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.”
(Psalm 86:5)
Life can often feel overwhelming, so the assurance that God hears us when we go to Him for help is immensely comforting. Scripture is rich with promises of His attentiveness and readiness to forgive and protect, promises which serve as anchors of hope to those in need of refuge. One such verse that captures this assurance is Psalm 86:5, where it is declared, “For thou, LORD, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.”
God’s promise to hear our prayers is foundational to our faith, as seen in 2 Chronicles 7:15. Here the Lord assures Solomon, “Mine eyes shall be open and mine ears attentive unto the prayer that is made in this place.” This declaration symbolizes the sacred space of sincere prayer wherever it may occur.[1]
In Romans 10:12, we are reminded of the nature of God’s willingness to hear the penitent sinner’s prayer, “The Lord is rich unto all that call upon him,” a testament to the unconditional grace available to every individual who reaches out in faith. Similarly, Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to present our requests to God through prayer and thanksgiving, reassuring us of a resulting peace that “passes all understanding” which will “guard our hearts and minds.”
Scripture repeatedly affirms that the prayers of the upright are God’s delight (Proverbs 15:8). The fact that God Almighty hears “our voice, our very desires” (Psalm 5:3, 10:17) lets us know that He is sensitive to the faintest whisper of a seeking heart. Such passages reinforce the reality that God is not only a listener but an active responder to the needs expressed by His children.
Moreover, God’s Word offers specific comfort during times of distress. For instance, Psalm 34:15-17 vividly describes God’s vigilant care, “The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.” Further, Isaiah 65:24 explains, “Before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.” This promise of God’s preemptive compassion and responsiveness reassures us of His amazing readiness to acknowledge and assist us in such times.
Scripture provides a treasure trove of assurances that demonstrate our Father’s commitment to listen and respond to our supplications. Each verse, from the general promises that God hears our prayers to the specific promises to aid us in the midst of adversity, weaves a beautiful tapestry of living assurances that continue to offer hope and peace to believers today.
Contemplations:
- A Whisper Heard: Psalm 5:3 says, “My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee and will look up.” It is such comfort to know that my whispered prayers, spoken into the early morning’s light, are heard by God, reassuring me that He cares for me intimately.
- The Comfort of Being Known: When I consider Psalm 102:17, “He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer,” I am amazed at the reality that I am seen and known by Almighty God. Even in my most desolate moments, when I feel unnoticed by the world, I find comfort in knowing that my prayers are not just heard by Him but they are also precious to Him.
- Assurance in Distress: During times of trouble, the words of Psalm 50:15 resonate deeply with me, “Call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.” This is a powerful reminder that my cries for help are not only heard but are met with divine intervention. This assurance transforms my anxiety into anticipation of the relief that is sure to come.
- The Ring of Prayer: The historical anecdote of a nobleman given a ring by Queen Elizabeth, promising deliverance in times of distress, parallels perfectly with our own ability to seek God in prayer—the believer’s connection to divine assistance. Just as the ring represented a promise of help, so my prayer symbolizes an ever-open channel to my eternal refuge and deliverer, who has promised to deliver me when I seek Him.
Further References for Psalm 86:5:
Exod. 34:6; Psalm 103:8; 130:4; Joel 2:13
[1] Edward Leigh, A Treatise of the Divine Promises in Five Books (London: George Miller, and are to be sold by Thomas Underhill .., 1641), 375.
