Calling On the God Who Is Always Near - Your Nightly Scripture - June 8th
Calling on the God Who Is Always Near
Evening Scripture
Psalm 86
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.
For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths, from the realm of the dead.
Arrogant foes are attacking me, O God; ruthless people are trying to kill me— they have no regard for you.
But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.
Turn to me and have mercy on me; show your strength in behalf of your servant; save me, because I serve you just as my mother did.
Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.
Evening Reflection
As we approach the end of another day, Psalm 86 reminds us that we can call on our Father in heaven continually—day or night. The cares of this life threaten to take our focus away from our God who sees and cares for us. To shift our focus back where it belongs, all we have to do is call upon his name. He is always near. The psalmist David cries out to God in a time of need, acknowledging several praiseworthy attributes. Let’s review these truths from tonight’s psalm and allow them to settle our hearts at the close of a long day.
God is good. He forgives without condition and abounds in love that never ends. He delivers us from darkness. God answers our prayers. There is no other like him in all creation. He understands our needs and works continually on our behalf. God is gracious and faithful. We may not always feel his nearness, but every day we can count on him. He does not turn away in anger but pursues us with compassionate care. Some days begin and end like any other—with a predictable routine as we tend to our daily tasks. Then there are other days. Those when the trials of life weigh on us and hope seems like a distant dream. Whatever today looked like for you, let tonight’s Scripture passage soothe you and prepare you for sleep. God is near you right now.
Evening Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for your promise to be near me always. I’m calling on you, knowing you are here right now. Your presence brings me much-needed comfort at the end of a long day. I’ve made some mistakes, but you are compassionate and gracious to your children. As I think back on my words, my actions, and my thoughts from today, I release them all to you. Thank you for your forgiveness, Father. I am undeserving, but you love me unconditionally. Thank you for giving me strength in my time of need. When I feel buried under a weight that is too heavy for me to carry, help me remember that you hear my prayers. You are good and faithful.
In Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen.
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Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.
Related Resource: Discouragement Often Comes after Calling | Ezra 3
In this episode of The Bible Explained, Jen walks through Ezra chapter 3 and explores the Israelites’ return from exile as they begin rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. She highlights how the people, though fearful and greatly outnumbered, chose unity, obedience, and worship by first rebuilding the altar and restoring sacrifices to God. The episode focuses on the emotional moment when the temple foundation is laid—some rejoice with gratitude while others weep, remembering the former temple’s glory. Through passages in Ezra, Haggai, and Zechariah, Jen emphasizes God’s encouragement not to “despise small beginnings,” reminding listeners that God often works through humble starts, difficult seasons, and imperfect circumstances. The episode closes with a practical encouragement: when God calls people to a purpose, opposition and discouragement will come, but faithful perseverance and trust in God’s presence are what carry the work forward. If this podcast helped you understand the Bible in a clearer way, be sure to follow The Bible Explained on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
