Praise Because God Wins

OPENING PRAYER:

Almighty God, there is nothing too hard for you! When I face hardship, keep my mind and heart fixed on who you are.

READ: Psalm 57

For the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” Of David. A miktam. [b] When he had fled from Saul into the cave.

1 Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.

2 I cry out to God Most High, to God, who vindicates me. 3 He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me—[c] God sends forth his love and his faithfulness.

4 I am in the midst of lions; I am forced to dwell among ravenous beasts— men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords.

5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.

6 They spread a net for my feet— I was bowed down in distress. They dug a pit in my path— but they have fallen into it themselves.

7 My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. 8 Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn.

9 I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. 10 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.

Footnotes

[a] Psalm 57:1 In Hebrew texts 57:1-11 is numbered 57:2-12.

[b] Psalm 57:1 Title: Probably a literary or musical term

[c] Psalm 57:3 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 6.

Psalm 57

REFLECT:

What causes you anxiety or generates fear for you?

David was on the run from his enemies, hiding in a cave. In desperation he cried out to God for mercy and vindication (vs 1,2). In human terms, David was in real trouble. And yet, his psalm is filled with confidence. He is confident that God will hear his cry, thwart his enemies, and deliver him. He does not simply expect personal deliverance. He looks forward to God’s ultimate victory, where God’s glory will fill the whole earth.

That description of ultimate hope in verse 5 is repeated at the end of the psalm in verse 11. In the second section of the psalm, he again presents the threatening activity of his enemies (v 6). And he expresses his confidence in God. This time he elaborates on his desire to worship and sing to God. It seems like his heart is overwhelmed by the great love of God and his faithfulness that reaches all the way to the heavens.

A time of great danger brought the greatest of worship from David’s heart. Why? Because God’s goodness massively overwhelmed David’s fear of his enemies.

APPLY:

Are there things that make you afraid that you just can’t get out of your mind? Look to God for his love and faithfulness. The ultimate victory will be his.

I WILL STATEMENT:

I will have a political conversation this week where I demonstrate Jesus' love over my political positions.

CLOSING PRAYER:

Thank you, O God, that you are greater than any challenge that would threaten to overwhelm me. Forgive me when I forget; continue to build my faith.

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