Psalm 57
Verse 7 My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.
This psalm was written regarding David taking refuge in the cave. Our reading yesterday was the first of multiple trips into the cave to hide from Saul. Caves were a far cry from the open spaces that David enjoyed during his shepherding years. Instead of fresh air and breezes in the bright sunshine, David uses the dark and cool, possibly damp cave to get himself ready for what is coming. While setting himself up a strong-hold of sorts, he shows through this song that he understood his true Stronghold.
David was definitely gaining some focus in his life and was seeing how God was guiding him and protecting him. This song of praise speaks so powerfully about how David was seeing God’s mighty hand in his safety. He knew God could do things that he couldn’t imagine because He had already provided an army of 400 men and had also shown David where to take his parents so they would be safe. There had also been a rebuilding of brotherhood between him and his brothers.
David begins by asking God for mercy. He knows that nothing will be able to harm him. God is leading and God will do the protecting. The danger was not of decreasing degree, but his faith was of increasing degree. He may have been remembering the way the Lord had helped him in the past when he was able to do things the average man wouldn’t have been able to do though he was only a boy. His faith had carried him through some scary moments in the past and again God was drawing him out of a pit of fear.
David knew that God had sent help from heaven and that God was rebuking David’s enemies. This had to be a great boost in David’s mental and spiritual status. He was now remembering God was still in control. God knew what was needing to happen to strengthen David and prepare him as the king, as well as making both David and God known to the surrounding nations.
He spends a majority of this song exalting God and singing His praises. Though David knew he was still on the run, there was much to praise God for as he had regained his focus and was feeling a certain amount of freedom due to his growing personal army. When we lock our focus on the Lord of Heaven we can’t help but see God’s power and His ability to work in our lives. We too should spend time exalting and praising Him.
Making It Personal
Do you find it hard to exalt and praise God before you know what He is going to do in your situation? What types of things can you praise Him for when you are going through a trial? Are you praising Him today?
Making It Personal Kids
Is it hard to praise Jesus when you are in a hard time in life? What are some things that you can praise Jesus for no matter what is going on in life? What can you praise Him for right now?
Closing Prayer
Father, we know that You are always in control. We thank You for the ways that You provide and care for us. Please help us keep our focus on You no matter what is going on in our lives. We trust You, Father. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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