https://odb.org/2026/10/28/because-god
Psalm 86:1–12 (NIV): Hear me, Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God; have mercy on me, Lord, for I call to you all day long. Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you. You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. Hear my prayer, Lord; listen to my cry for mercy. When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me. Among the gods there is none like you, Lord; no deeds can compare with yours. All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name. For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God. Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.
Six-year-old Tiana clasped her hands. She prayed as she scanned the crowd, glancing toward the front door of the church. Her classmates waved at guests settling in for the Father’s Day concert. But nobody waved at Tiana. Her teacher encouraged her to join the choir, but Tiana didn’t budge. Suddenly her daddy rushed through the door. As he waved and found a seat, Tiana smiled, burst into tears, and stepped onto the stage.
Whatever our age, there’s a tender heart of a child within each of us that aches to be seen, heard, and loved. But the psalmist David demonstrated how God delights in showing up for His children. David prayed with confidence in a love that never fails, forgets, or forsakes—the love of our heavenly Father. Confessing his need, David prayed with faith in God’s trustworthiness (Psalm 86:1-4). He declared that God is “forgiving and good, abounding in love” (v. 5). He sang, “When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me” (v. 7). David cried out with expectation because God had proven His faithfulness (v. 11). (Xochitl Dixon, Our Daily Bread, 28th October 2026)
I realise that in my interactions with my two sons that I sense an inner desire in them to want to make me proud of them. Of course it’s not confined to me alone. That desire also includes their mother. So children want their parents to be proud of them, of their achievements and capabilities. That is why as parents, we are careful not to break their spirit in their quests of life, unless those aspirations are too outlandish; perhaps one day, but probably too soon now.
Thus a good way to train ourselves in relating to God and prepare ourselves for eternity is to make God our Father proud of us. Be like Abel, rather than Cain. Do our best for Him especially when no one sees. We know He sees as He watches over us all the time, our goings out and comings in. Help someone, do something meaningful in the Kingdom of God. Make a difference for the spiritual realm. Intercede for someone. Build and encourage another brother or sister in Christ.
The great thing about our relationship with God is that when we run into trouble or face difficult situations, He is there to help us through. David experienced this time and time again. He declared in Psalm 86 that God is “forgiving and good, abounding in love” (v. 5). He sang, “When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me” (v. 7). After all, the LORD Is our Heavenly Father in Christ Jesus.
Make our Heavenly Father, Christ our Lord and the Holy Spirit – the Holy Trinity of God – proud of us, in the things we do, in the way we relate and care for others. On that day, Jesus Christ will say to us – “Well done, good and faithful servant, come into your rest!” Amen!
