Devotions: Reverential Compassion

Answer me, O Lord, for Your lovingkindness is good;
According to the greatness of Your compassion, turn to me,
And do not hide Your face from Your servant,
For I am in distress; answer me quickly.

Psalm 69:16-17 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

This is a fairly long song of David where he goes back and forth between cries of distress and praise of God. He was in a desperate place, with enemies all around. Interestingly, it is also a Messianic psalm, meaning it refers to Christ, and several verses are quoted in the New Testament in reference to Christ.

This verse is really a meeting place between the two extremes David visited, where distress and praise meet. He is asking for deliverance, but is praising God in the midst of his troubles. He actually uses praise as a method of petitioning God. He asks God to be true to His nature, reminding God of His past blessings. “Turn to me according to the greatness of Your compassion” is a great phrase. God’s compassion is limitless. David asks God to use that measure with him. It is a way of asking God for something weighty while making it sound like a compliment. Not only is that wise (also called tact) in relationships in general, but it is a good way to approach God always. No matter what we ask or say to Him, it should always be with reverence and honor. This should be our manner and attitude toward God. We have full assurance that He will hear us so we can come confidently to Him, but that does not mean that we can treat Him like a genie or a vending machine. He is still the Almighty God and His position demands our respect. How can you praise God while presenting your requests to Him?