The Incomparable God
Psalm 86:10 – You are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God
Reading: Psalm 86:8-17
If you need help with something, you look for someone who’s able to lend a hand. Your helper of choice should be well-suited for the task, whether it’s strength for moving a sofa into the basement, or expertise for doing your tax return. Not just anyone can do these things.
When David was in trouble in Psalm 86, he knew exactly where to look. That’s why running throughout his prayer is a strong current of confidence: God will hear his prayer, and he’ll also do something about it! David knows that his prayer won’t bounce off the ceiling, but will ascend directly to the heavenly throne room, where the LORD will hear and respond.
How can David be so sure? Because he knows the God whom he’s talking to! He understands—even if only partially—what this great God is capable of. David has experienced it before, and he’s also familiar with the LORD’s promises. This is just a little of who God is: “You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness ” (v. 15). In awe of his God, David piles up the adverbs and adjectives.
And it makes a big difference for your prayers if you know you’re approaching a God who’s like no other: “There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours” (v. 8). This is the LORD who never forsakes his people because he’s bound himself to us by a sacred oath, even in the blood of Christ. He’s the one who’s promised to help, and He’s the only one who can help.
So whenever we pray it’s fitting to do as David does, to pause and glorify God for his incomparability. Not only is he worthy of this praise, but it also brings us much encouragement. It’s a powerful reminder that we’re not pleading with some run-of-the-mill God, or venting our pain into a disconnected microphone. Rather, such praise reminds us that we’re in the presence of an Almighty God, one who has become our Father in Christ. He’s able to help, whatever our need. Because he’s so compassionate, he’ll assist with our struggles. Because he’s so powerful, he can defend his church. Because he’s so forgiving, he’ll pardon all our sins. There is none like him!