“Turn, O Lord, deliver my life;
save me for the sake of your steadfast love.”
—Psalm 6:4 ESV

David was in a difficult predicament.

And based on the context of this verse, he clearly believed that he got himself there. He “dug his own grave,” so to speak.

And so, when he cried out to God, he didn’t claim to deserve his deliverance.

No, he appealed to the only thing he (or anyone) could: God’s “steadfast love.”

This is probably a reference to Exodus 34:6-7, the most quoted passage within the Hebrew Scriptures, where God showed himself to Moses and proclaimed his name.

This is what God said about himself: “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. . .”

In other words, unfailing love is part of God’s name. It’s in his character.

And his character doesn’t change. It is, in fact, the one thing we can count on when all else gives way.

And so David, despite his mistakes, was confident that God would rescue him because of his steadfast love.

May we have that same confidence today.

Here is a short prayer to help you invite God into every moment of your day:

Inhale: God,
Exhale: I’m counting on your love.