The specific situation which prompted David to write this Psalm is not known. However, from the text it is clear that he was facing difficulty and oppression from others as he requested specific help from the Lord. It is also clear he was not hopeless, as he continually came back to worship the Lord and give Him praise. In this psalm he prayed: “Teach me your way, O LORD” – and might we pray to be good students of our Lord and His Word. “That I may walk in your truth” – may we ever be growing in the knowledge and understanding of the truth of God’s Word. This will only come through our diligent effort and consistent discipline to learn the Scriptures. As we know God’s Word, may we then be committed to upright walking, honoring our Lord above all things, and ever living in harmony with His truth. “Unite my heart to fear your name” – may we never be double-minded, but rather whole-hearted, fully committed in our devotion to the Lord, living in awe of who He is and respecting Him in all we do and think. “I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart” – may thankfulness be a natural and continual response of our hearts as we pray to ever remember the multitude of reasons we do have for thankfulness. “And I will glorify your name forever” – may we never live to glorify our name or the name of any other person, but only glorify the holy, glorious, gracious, loving, merciful, good, just, faithful Name of our Heavenly Father and His Son the Lord Jesus Christ.
“For great is your steadfast love toward me” – His love for us never ceases, it never wanes, it never grows cold, it is never forgetful; His love for us is everlasting and sure, demonstrated throughout the Scriptures, seen in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and His resurrection, and in the hope of our future resurrection. “For you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol” – in Christ we have been delivered, redeemed, saved, justified, and someday will be glorified. (86.11-13).
Knowing the Lord’s certain love – we have much to be thankful for –
Terry Burlingame
My Morning Desk 