In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me.
David sets before God his wretchedness and need, then answers carnal reason's despair with God's infinite goodness and power. He does not merely ask escape from enemies; he prays that the fear of God take root and hold firm in his heart.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 86:1-17
In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me. A pious resolve backed by a judicious reason. It is useless to cry to those who cannot or will not hear; once convince men that prayer has no effect upon God, and they will have no more of it.
This psalm was published under the title of a prayer of David; not as if David sung all his prayers, but into some of his songs he inserted prayers; for a psalm will admit the expressions of any pious and devout affections.
Commenting on Psalm 86:1-7