Turn To The Lord, There Is No One Else

In the Psalms, David consistently prayed to the Lord, namely because he had no one else to turn to. His words of faith challenge us to return again and again to God alone.

Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord; hear my urgent cry. I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble, and you will answer me. Psalm 86:6-7

His prayer in Psalm 86 captured both his desperation and confidence in the Lord. Believers today must experience those same two qualities when seeking God.

David, when seeking the Lord, exhibited a heart that refused to trust in self or in temporary fixes. He modeled humility, dedication, and trust as he poured out his needs before the Lord.

Bend down, O Lord, and hear my prayer; answer me, for I need your help. Protect me, for I am devoted to you. Save me, for I serve you and trust you. You are my God. Psalm 86:1–2

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Notice David’s approach. He didn’t try to bargain with God. Neither did he treat prayer like a last-ditch effort. He approached God as a man who knew his place: a servant of the Most High.

He pleaded for protection as he walked in devotion. David asked for salvation because his trust held firmly in the Lord. He identified his relationship clearly by saying, “You are my God.”

This simple declaration rose above mere religion. David belonged to the Lord, and he acknowledged his trust in Him without any hesitation.

Devotion Not Desperation

Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am calling on you constantly. Give me happiness, O Lord, for I give myself to you. Psalm 86:3-4

David prayed with consistency, not convenience. He didn’t wait for a crisis to drive him to prayer, unlike those who only seek God in emergencies. We call them “foxhole prayers.”

David’s words echoed his daily dependence and trust in the Lord. David didn’t have a plan A or B relationship with God. He looked to God as his primary and only source for all his needs.

Many believers treat God as plan “B.” Let me tell you a story that illustrates this well. A woman once faced health struggles. She visited many doctors and had many treatments without success.

Someone asked if she wanted prayer for her dilemma. Her answer: “Well, I’ve tried everything else, I might as well pray.” That reflects a backup mentality used by many Christians.

When troubles multiply, we must ask ourselves: Do I treat God as my first call or my last resort? Your answer will reveal if or how much you trust the Lord.

David not only sought help from the Lord, but he also put his trust in His forgiveness and mercy.

O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help. Psalm 86:5

He acknowledged his own failures but rested in the truth that God responds quickly with forgiveness. David didn’t shrink away in guilt. No! God invites confession and repentance.

This verse reminds us that sin does not define our future when we turn to the Lord. Forgiveness flows not because we deserve it, but because God’s love never fails.

Have Confidence in God’s Answer

Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord; hear my urgent cry. I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble, and you will answer me. Psalm 86:6–7

As we look at these two verses again, we will emphasize how David prayed with expectation. Notice his assurance and trust in the Lord when he said, “You will answer me.”

He knew without a shadow of a doubt that prayer does not vanish into the air. God bends His ear to listen. The Creator of heaven and earth heard the cry of David, and He hears our cries as well.

This confidence separates ritual from relationship. Prayer is not simply words; it is communion with the living God who responds in wisdom, mercy, and power.

Sometimes the answer comes quickly. Sometimes it unfolds through waiting. But the promise remains, God answers His people. He will not leave us, nor will He forsake us.

In the middle of his prayer, David shifted his focus from personal needs to God’s glory. Like our title says, turn to the Lord, for there is no one else.

No pagan god is like you, O Lord. None can do what you do! All the nations you made will come and bow before you, Lord; they will praise your holy name. For you are great and perform wonderful deeds. You alone are God. Psalm 86:8–10

Prayer changes our perspective. When we as believers lift our eyes to God’s greatness, our problems shrink in comparison. David remembered that idols can’t act, heal, or save.

Only the Lord reigns with power and authority. David portrayed the global vision that all nations will turn to the Lord and bow down to Him.

Turn to the Lord for Mercy, Strength, and Comfort

Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you. Psalm 86:11

Verse 11 revealed David’s desire, not only to escape trouble, but to grow in obedience. He asked for guidance, purity, and a heart of truth. As the Psalm closes, David returned to dependence.

Look down and have mercy on me. Give your strength to your servant; save me, the son of your servant. Send me a sign of your favor. Then those who hate me will be put to shame, for you, O Lord, help and comfort me. Psalm 86:16-17

David didn’t rely on his own strength. He asked for God’s strength. He didn’t demand his own way. David also sought God’s favor with an admission of his need for comfort.

This ending reminds us that prayer is not about proving ourselves. It is about leaning on the Lord who carries us with flowing mercy and sustaining strength. Plus, His comfort surrounds us.

When life presses hard, where do you turn? Do you turn to a distraction, to self-effort, or do you turn to the Lord? Only in Him will we always find forgiveness, guidance, and strength.

At one point, many people turned away from Jesus because of His hard teaching. Jesus looked at his disciples and asked, “Are you also going to leave?” Peter spoke up with a classic answer.

“Lord, who else could we turn to? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.” John 6:68-69

Lord, teach us to pray with devotion, not desperation. Shape our hearts to seek you first. Lord, we turn to you for strength and mercy. Comfort us with your presence.