In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me.
In the day {H3117} of my trouble {H6869} I will call {H7121}{H8799)} upon thee: for thou wilt answer {H6030}{H8799)} me.
On the day of my trouble I am calling on you, for you will answer me.
In the day of my distress I call on You, because You answer me.
In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee; For thou wilt answer me.
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Jonah 2:2
And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, [and] thou heardest my voice. -
Psalms 50:15
And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. -
Psalms 34:4
I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. -
Psalms 34:6
This poor man cried, and the LORD heard [him], and saved him out of all his troubles. -
Psalms 17:6
I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, [and] hear my speech. -
Hebrews 5:7
Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; -
Lamentations 3:55
¶ I called upon thy name, O LORD, out of the low dungeon.
Psalms 86:7 is a powerful declaration of faith from David, expressing his unwavering confidence in God's responsiveness during times of distress. It encapsulates the essence of biblical prayer: an earnest cry to a God who hears and acts on behalf of His people.
Context
Psalm 86 is titled "A Prayer of David," placing it within a tradition of deeply personal and expressive psalms. Throughout this psalm, David pours out his heart to God, pleading for mercy, protection, and guidance amidst various troubles. He acknowledges his own humility and reliance on God, contrasting it with the Lord's supreme goodness and power. Verse 7 serves as a pivotal statement of trust, revealing David's settled conviction that despite his circumstances, God remains his unfailing refuge and answerer of prayer.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word for "call upon" is qara' (קָרָא), which means to cry out, invoke, or proclaim. It implies an urgent, earnest appeal, not a casual request. The word for "answer" is 'anah (עָנָה), meaning to respond, attend, or testify. This isn't just a passive acknowledgment but an active, engaged reply, often implying action or intervention. David's choice of words emphasizes the profound and active interaction between the worshipper and God.
Related Scriptures
This verse resonates with many other scriptures that affirm God's readiness to hear and respond to prayer. For instance, Psalm 50:15 similarly declares, "Call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me." The prophet Jeremiah also recorded God's promise, "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." In the New Testament, believers are encouraged to bring their requests to God with confidence, knowing He cares, as highlighted in Philippians 4:6-7, which speaks of prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. This confidence in God's hearing ear is foundational to our approach to the throne of grace.
Practical Application
Psalms 86:7 offers profound encouragement for believers today. When faced with life's inevitable challenges, anxieties, or sorrows, this verse reminds us that our first and most effective recourse is to call upon God. It teaches us to cultivate a habit of prayer in every circumstance, not just as a last resort. Our confidence should not be in the absence of trouble, but in the certain presence and responsiveness of God. Embracing this truth strengthens our faith, deepens our relationship with the Lord, and provides peace knowing that our heavenly Father is always ready to listen and answer according to His perfect will.