Psalms 86:7

KJV

In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me.

KJV (with Strong's)

In the day {H3117} of my trouble {H6869} I will call {H7121}{H8799)} upon thee: for thou wilt answer {H6030}{H8799)} me.

Complete Jewish Bible

On the day of my trouble I am calling on you, for you will answer me.

Berean Standard Bible

In the day of my distress I call on You, because You answer me.

American Standard Version

In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee; For thou wilt answer me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 86:7 stands as a profound declaration of unwavering faith from David, articulating his absolute confidence in God's immediate and certain responsiveness during times of profound distress. This verse encapsulates the very essence of biblical prayer: an earnest, heartfelt cry to a personal God who not only hears the petitions of His people but actively intervenes and answers them, affirming His character as a faithful and ever-present refuge in trouble. It is a timeless testament to the power of relying on divine faithfulness in the face of human vulnerability.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 86 is uniquely titled "A Prayer of David," distinguishing it as a deeply personal and intimate supplication that offers a mosaic of petitions, laments, and declarations of trust. The psalm opens with David's desperate plea for God's attention and mercy, acknowledging his own neediness and dependence. Throughout the preceding verses, David appeals to God's goodness, power, and uniqueness among the gods, setting the stage for the confident assertion in verse 7. This verse serves as a pivotal statement of settled conviction, revealing that despite the weight of his circumstances, David's ultimate recourse and unfailing hope lie in God's guaranteed response. It transitions from an earnest plea to a confident expectation, reinforcing the overarching theme of divine faithfulness that undergirds the entire psalm, culminating in a renewed commitment to worship God for His goodness and power (e.g., [Psalms 86:12-13](/psalms/86-12-13 "Psalms 86:12-13 - David's Praise and Deliverance")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's life was marked by frequent periods of "trouble," ranging from persecution by King Saul, internal strife within his own family, national rebellions (such as Absalom's revolt), and personal failings. While the specific "day of trouble" for this psalm is not explicitly stated, it reflects a common experience of distress for the king, who often faced enemies and challenges to his rule and life. In ancient Israelite culture, prayer was understood as a direct, personal encounter with the living God, YHWH, who had established a covenant relationship with His people. Unlike the impersonal or capricious deities of surrounding nations, Israel's God was known for His attentiveness and active involvement in human affairs. David's prayer reflects this covenantal understanding, appealing to God's established character and past acts of deliverance, reinforcing the cultural expectation that a righteous God would indeed respond to the cries of His faithful servants. This understanding is deeply rooted in the historical narrative of God's interaction with Israel, from the Exodus (e.g., [Exodus 2:23-25](/exodus/2-23-25 "Exodus 2:23-25 - God Hears Israel's Groaning")) to the establishment of the monarchy.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent throughout the Psalms and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it underscores the **unwavering trust in God's character**, highlighting David's profound faith even amidst significant "trouble." This trust is not a mere hope but a confident expectation rooted in God's revealed nature, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 7:9](/deuteronomy/7-9 "Deuteronomy 7:9 - God's Faithfulness to His Covenant"). Secondly, it emphasizes the **efficacy and power of prayer**, affirming that prayer is not a futile exercise but a genuine, active communication with a living God who intervenes in human history. David's experience here, and elsewhere (e.g., [Psalm 18](/psalms/18 "Psalm 18 - David's Song of Deliverance")), consistently affirms that God hears and responds to the cries of His children. Finally, the verse speaks volumes about **God's faithfulness and responsiveness**. The assurance "for thou wilt answer me" reveals a God who is not distant or indifferent but intimately involved in the lives of those who seek Him, a foundational truth echoed in [Isaiah 65:24](/isaiah/65-24 "Isaiah 65:24 - God Answers Before We Call"). This theme of divine responsiveness is central to the covenant relationship God established with His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "to be hot," refers to a period of time, often a literal day (from sunrise to sunset or sunset to sunset), but also figuratively denoting a defined space of time or a specific season. In the phrase "day of my trouble," it emphasizes a particular, intense, and often prolonged period of distress, signifying a time when the psalmist is acutely aware of his suffering and vulnerability. It is not a fleeting moment but a significant, all-consuming experience.
* **Trouble (Hebrew, _tsârâh'_):** This feminine noun, from the root meaning "tightness," denotes distress, anguish, affliction, or narrowness. It describes a situation of great difficulty, pressure, or confinement, often implying a feeling of being hemmed in or oppressed. David is not speaking of minor inconveniences but of deep, burdensome circumstances that cause significant personal suffering and anxiety, where all other avenues of help seem closed.
* **Call upon (Hebrew, _qârâ'_):** This primitive root signifies to cry out, to invoke, to proclaim, or to summon. It implies an urgent, earnest, and often public appeal, rather than a casual request. When applied to God, it signifies a deliberate and intentional act of seeking His presence, His attention, and His intervention. It is an act of faith that acknowledges God's authority and ability to respond, distinguishing it from mere thought or wish.
* **Answer (Hebrew, _ʻânâh'_):** This primitive root means to eye or heed, by implication to respond, or by extension to begin to speak, sing, shout, testify, or announce. In the context of prayer, it signifies more than just hearing; it implies an active, engaged reply, often involving action, intervention, or a demonstration of God's will. The certainty expressed by "thou wilt answer me" indicates David's deep conviction that God's response is not merely possible but guaranteed, rooted in His character and covenant faithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the day of my trouble":** This opening phrase immediately sets the scene in a time of intense personal distress and difficulty for the psalmist. It highlights the reality of human suffering and the specific moments when individuals feel overwhelmed and vulnerable. The use of "my" personalizes the affliction, making it a deeply intimate confession of need. It is precisely in these moments of acute need that David turns to God, demonstrating a profound understanding of where true help resides.
* **"I will call upon thee":** This is a deliberate and resolute declaration of intention. "I will call" signifies a conscious act of faith and dependence, a determined choice to seek God's presence and intervention, rather than succumbing to despair or seeking human solutions alone. The direct address "upon thee" emphasizes the personal and intimate nature of David's relationship with God, recognizing Him as the sole and sufficient source of help, distinct from all other potential, yet inadequate, aids.
* **"for thou wilt answer me":** This clause provides the foundational reason and absolute assurance for David's resolve to pray. The conjunction "for" (כִּי, _ki_) introduces the certainty of God's response, making it the bedrock of David's confidence. "Thou wilt answer me" is a powerful affirmation of God's character—His attentiveness, faithfulness, and willingness to intervene on behalf of those who seek Him. It is a statement of absolute trust in God's active engagement with His people's prayers, reflecting a deep theological conviction based on past experience and God's revealed nature.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Declaration** and **Affirmation**, where David confidently states his intention to pray and the certain outcome of his prayer. This is reinforced by a strong sense of **Personal Address** or **Direct Address** to God ("thee," "thou," "me"), which creates an intimate and immediate tone, emphasizing the personal relationship between the psalmist and the Divine. There is also an implicit **Cause-and-Effect Relationship** or **Logical Consequence** established: because God is known to answer, David will call upon Him. This structure highlights the psalmist's theological conviction as the motivation for his spiritual practice. The simplicity and directness of the language contribute to its powerful and enduring impact, making it a timeless expression of faith and a model for approaching God in times of need.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 86:7 profoundly articulates a core theological truth: God's inherent responsiveness to the cries of His people. This verse is not merely a statement of David's personal conviction but a reflection of God's revealed character as one who is attentive, compassionate, and actively involved in the lives of His creation. It underscores the efficacy of prayer as a genuine means of communication with the Divine, rooted in God's covenant faithfulness and His desire for intimate relationship. The certainty of God's answer, "for thou wilt answer me," speaks to His omnipotence and omniscience, affirming that He hears every petition and possesses the power and wisdom to respond according to His perfect will, even if the answer is not always what we expect. This divine responsiveness fosters a deep sense of security and trust, encouraging believers to approach God with boldness and confidence in every circumstance, knowing that He is a God who listens and acts on behalf of His beloved.

* [Psalm 50:15](/psalms/50-15 "Psalm 50:15 - Call Upon Me in the Day of Trouble")
* [Jeremiah 33:3](/jeremiah/33-3 "Jeremiah 33:3 - Call to Me and I Will Answer You")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do Not Be Anxious, But Pray")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 86:7 offers profound encouragement and a vital directive for believers navigating the complexities of modern life. In a world often characterized by anxiety, uncertainty, and overwhelming challenges, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that our primary and most effective recourse is to turn to God in prayer. It calls us to cultivate a habit of immediate and earnest communication with our Creator, not just as a last resort when all else fails, but as a confident first response to any "day of trouble." Embracing the truth that God *will* answer us transforms our perspective on suffering and difficulty, shifting our focus from the problem's magnitude to God's infinite power and unwavering faithfulness. This confidence in His responsiveness deepens our relationship with Him, strengthens our faith, and provides an unshakeable peace that transcends circumstances, knowing that our heavenly Father is always attentive to our cries and works all things for our good, even when His answers take unexpected forms.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "day of trouble" are you currently facing, and how does David's declaration encourage you to approach it with confident prayer?**
* **How does the certainty of God's answer (as expressed in this verse) impact your willingness to pray boldly and persistently, even when the answer isn't immediately apparent?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate a more immediate and consistent habit of "calling upon" God in your daily life, rather than relying on other solutions first?**
* **How does understanding God's character as "one who answers" deepen your trust and peace amidst uncertainty and the unknown outcomes of your prayers?**

### FAQ
**Does God always answer prayer exactly as we expect or desire?**

Answer: While Psalms 86:7 expresses profound confidence that God "will answer," it's crucial to understand "answer" in a comprehensive biblical sense. God always hears and responds to the prayers of His people, but His answer may not always align with our immediate desires or expectations. Sometimes the answer is "yes," sometimes "no," and sometimes "wait." God's responses are always perfect, reflecting His infinite wisdom, love, and sovereign plan for our ultimate good and His glory. He may answer by providing comfort in distress, strengthening us to endure, revealing a different path, or even by allowing a difficult situation to persist for a greater purpose, as seen in Paul's experience with his "thorn in the flesh" in [2 Corinthians 12:7-9](/2_corinthians/12-7-9 "2 Corinthians 12:7-9 - Paul's Thorn in the Flesh"). The assurance of Psalms 86:7 is that God is never silent or indifferent; He is always engaged and responsive to the cries of His children, working all things according to His perfect will (e.g., [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 86:7 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David's confident cry to God in his "day of trouble" foreshadows the perfect and ultimate prayer of the Son of God. Jesus, in His earthly ministry, frequently called upon His Father in times of deep anguish and trouble, most notably in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He prayed with intense earnestness, even to the point of sweating blood ([Luke 22:44](/luke/22-44 "Luke 22:44 - Jesus' Agony in Gethsemane")). His cry from the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry on the Cross")), represents the deepest "day of trouble" imaginable, as He bore the full weight of humanity's sin. Yet, through His perfect obedience and sacrifice, Jesus became the ultimate "answer" to humanity's greatest trouble—sin and separation from God. He is our mediator ([1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator Between God and Man")), through whom we now have confident access to the Father's throne of grace ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")). Moreover, as our Great High Priest, Christ continually intercedes for us ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession")), ensuring that our prayers, offered in His name, are indeed heard and answered by the Father according to His perfect will, fulfilling the promise of God's responsiveness in a way far grander than David could have imagined. In Christ, the promise of an answering God is not just a hope, but a present reality for all who believe (e.g., [John 14:13-14](/john/14-13-14 "John 14:13-14 - Ask in My Name")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.