Psalm 86: Verses 16-17 (NIV translation)
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.
David was the youngest of eight sons born to his father, Jesse. We know from the record in the book of 1 Samuel, that when Samuel asked for Jesse’s sons to be presented to him, Jesse didn’t consider David to be important enough to be brought in from the fields. (1 Samuel Chapter 16: Verses 10-11) Perhaps then as the youngest brother he was able to spend more time with his mother. The NIV translation tells us that David’s mother was a servant of God. It seems that she taught him to follow God by her example, which he acknowledges in this psalm. I think that’s lovely!
I don’t know anything else about David’s mother, but clearly her life before God had made a huge impact on his. What a great example for us to do likewise. It doesn’t matter if, like David’s mother, we’re never in the limelight. We can still make an impact on others by living our lives rightly before God as best as we are able.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the influence of godly people on our lives, simply through seeking to serve You the best that they can. I’m grateful for those who have crossed my path, and who have influenced me by their lives as David’s mother had done. May I also seek to influence others by living my life rightly before You. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.