I always find comfort and encouragement in the Psalms. In the past few weeks, I have been memorizing Psalm 86. This beautiful, honest and passionate song has given me the confidence to openly express my needs before our great God.

This Psalm starts off with David commanding God. At first, I was surprised by this. “Incline your ear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.” (Psalm 86:1, ESV) I thought it was pushy and irreverent for David to start his prayer with a command to God. But as I meditated and examined, I realized that this was the way I should approach God.

A revelation came when I went to see my grandchildren. My granddaughter started many conversations with commands and she calls me by my first name, Sheri. It is commonplace for her to say,“Hey Sheri, come!” Hey Sheri, look!”

My grandson is one. He doesn’t say full sentences, but he commands by reaching out, pulling my, and leaning toward the object he is trying to reach. He is definitely directing me by his actions. And the funny thing is I do not consider my grandchildren’s behavior disrespectful or pushy (at least most of the time).

My grandchildren respond this way to me because they know my character. They know who I am and they understand our relationship. They know I want to be involved in their world, their activities and their lives. They understand that I desire to join with them in the adventures of life and I take pleasure in the fun they experience. They also know that they can express sadness, discontent, hurt, and pain. I also continue to love them through the anger, frustration, and outright defiance that they sometimes convey.

David knew God’s character. He knew that God loved him and would love him throughout his life, no matter what that entailed. He knew the character of God and because of that, David was not afraid to demand that God act in line with that character. This is as it should be.

I want my grandkids to know that because I love them, I will consistently act in line with my character. I want them to be able to trust me. I desire a relationship in which they feel safe and comfortable expressing my neediness. Our great God also desires this kind of trust and love.

So today, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16, ESV)

Thank you, Lord, for loving me so much! I trust you and believe that I can come to you with confidence that you will act in line with your character.