Read Psalm 86. Today, we will focus on the Psalmist’s cry: “Bring me to Your fountain of grace” (TPT). The ESV translates this verse as: “Be gracious to me, O Lord, for to you do I cry all the day” (Psalm 86:3). Whereas most Bible translations focus on the Psalmist crying out all day long, the Passion Translation mentions this response of a “fountain of grace.” Despite not seeing this mentioned in other translations, this fountain of grace is worthy of our attention nonetheless. The lack of this description in other translations does not take away from the grace of God. Even so, let us tread lightly.
I always tend to be very careful with translations, especially when it seems like the text is very different from what other scholars have found in studying the Word of God. Though all of the other translations I have dug into during the study and writing phase of this devotion do mention only that the Psalmist cries out all day long, I can understand this idea of a “fountain of grace.” I knowing that God is a good Father, that God is gracious and merciful, that God does pour out grace and more grace (John 1:16), I know that God’s grace can in fact be visualized and described as a fountain. I also know that when we cry out to God in humility all day, we will be met with His love and His grace. Imagine all of the cries of your heart meeting together with His amazing grace!?!
The writer of Hebrews tells us to “then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (4:16 NIV). We approach with confidence, knowing that we will find the grace to help us when needed. In Romans 5:20, we are also reminded that “where sin increased, grace abounded all the more” (ESV). There’s this great picture I get in my mind of this sin causing a murkiness, but this great rushing flood pouring in, bubbling up, overflowing — a fountain of grace. This does not mean that we sin more. Rather, this means that when we fall short, that God has filled in the gap— that God will cover us with His grace.
God’s grace is amazing. God’s grace is sufficient. God’s grace is greater. God’s grace is enough. God’s grace is immeasurable. Today, as you meditate upon this fountain of grace that has poured over into your life, thank God for His grace for the day. Thank Him for His love and goodness. Thank Him for this free gift. Ask Him to help you to be a fountain of grace in the lives of others today as you go out into the world.
Tania Gutekunst 