**A Cry for Mercy: The Story of a Humble Servant**
In the ancient city of Jerusalem, during the reign of King David, there lived a man named Eliab. He was not a warrior, nor a prince, nor a man of great wealth, but a humble servant who labored in the courts of the Lord’s house. His days were spent in quiet devotion, sweeping the temple floors, trimming the lamps, and offering prayers for those who came seeking God’s face.
Eliab was a man of deep sorrow, for though he served in the house of the Almighty, his heart bore the weight of many trials. Enemies whispered against him, accusing him falsely. His family had turned away from the Lord, chasing after idols, and his own strength faltered under the burden of loneliness. Yet in the stillness of the night, when the temple was empty and the golden lamps flickered softly, Eliab would kneel before the altar and pour out his soul to the Lord.
One evening, as shadows stretched long across the courtyard, Eliab fell to his knees, his voice trembling with desperation.
*”Bow down Your ear, O Lord, hear me, for I am poor and needy. Guard my soul, for I am faithful to You. Save Your servant who trusts in You—You are my God.”*
His words rose like incense, weaving through the silent sanctuary. He remembered the stories of old—how the Lord had delivered Israel from Egypt, how He had shown mercy to the repentant, and how He had never forsaken those who called upon His name.
*”Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I cry to You all day long. Rejoice the soul of Your servant, for to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.”*
Tears wet the stones beneath him as he continued, his voice growing stronger with faith.
*”For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all who call upon You.”*
As he prayed, a deep peace settled over him. The flickering light of the lamps seemed to glow brighter, as if heaven itself leaned close to listen. Eliab knew that though his enemies were many, though his troubles were great, the Lord was greater still.
*”Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord, nor are there any works like Yours. All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord, and shall glorify Your name.”*
A gentle wind stirred the curtains of the Holy Place, and Eliab felt the presence of the Almighty surround him. He knew then that his prayer was heard. The Lord, who had delivered David from the paw of the lion and the grip of the giant, would not abandon His servant now.
Rising from his knees, Eliab wiped his tears and lifted his face toward the heavens.
*”Teach me Your way, O Lord, that I may walk in Your truth. Unite my heart to fear Your name forever.”*
With renewed strength, he stepped out into the night, no longer bowed by despair but upheld by faith. The stars above seemed to shine with divine promise, and the distant sound of Levites singing psalms echoed through the temple courts.
Days passed, and though his trials did not vanish, Eliab walked in confidence. When his enemies mocked, he answered with kindness. When his heart grew weary, he recalled the mercy of the Lord. And in moments of doubt, he remembered the night when heaven had bent low to hear the cry of a humble servant.
*”For great is Your mercy toward me, and You have delivered my soul from the depths of the grave.”*
Years later, when Eliab was old and his hair silvered with age, he would tell the young priests of the faithfulness of God.
*”The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and abounding in mercy. Call upon Him in the day of trouble, and He will answer.”*
And so, the story of Eliab, the servant who prayed with the words of Psalm 86, became a testament to all who sought the Lord—a reminder that no cry of the heart goes unheard by the God who saves.
