Passage: Psalm 57
The Big Idea
David prayed this hiding from Saul in a cave (1 Samuel 22, 24). Surrounded by people like lions, he takes refuge in the shadow of God’s wings until the danger passes. By the end, his heart is steadfast and he’s ready to wake the dawn with song: Be exalted, O God, above the heavens.
Reflections
Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! (v. 1). I say it twice because I need it so much. How could I go on without Your mercy? In the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge: close to You, intimate, feeling Your warmth and heartbeat. You chose me, and I’m safe in You. My mind, will and emotions are learning not to lean on my own understanding but to draw life from You. Until these calamities have passed by. Time is my friend. Through the storm I can wait in You and be comforted.
I will cry out to God Most High, to God who performs all things for me (v. 2). I call and You answer. I seek and find. You delight to answer, though I don’t deserve such a relationship. I was made to live from You. So I’ll cry out, not just silently, but out loud. Transform hearts. Rebuke the enemy. Help the people I’m praying for. Heal. Protect our family. Draw those I love to choose You. Provide for our church. Encourage our hearts.
He shall send from heaven and save me (v. 3). God shall send forth His mercy and His truth. My hope and resources come from heaven, not from people. I’ll wait, pray and abide. I can’t stand in my own defense. I’ve failed so many times, but You’ve never left me.
My soul is among lions (v. 4). My position is dangerous. I want a peaceful life, but attacks come out of nowhere. Every report of evil stabs my heart again. I’m at the end of my rope. Come hold me. I place myself in Your mercy and grace.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens (v. 5). If You want glory, deliver me again, and I’ll tell of Your mercy forever. Why else would You put these people and situations in my life, if not to show Your glory, power and love?
They have prepared a net for my steps… into the midst of it they themselves have fallen (v. 6). Lord, it doesn’t matter how hard I fight if You don’t deliver. You must take control and be our defender. Make the enemy’s plans backfire. Restore us and unite us in Your mercy.
My heart is steadfast, O God (v. 7). Make it true by Your Spirit. My heart feels like it could stop any moment. Make me strong in heart today, and I’ll sing.
Awake, my glory! Awake, lute and harp! I will awaken the dawn (vv. 8-10). My life and skill are for Your glory. I’ll praise You among the nations, for Your mercy reaches unto the heavens, and Your truth unto the clouds.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let Your glory be above all the earth (v. 11). It’s all about You. My life is Your story of glory, strength, mercy and grace. I’ll sing and love You.
Grace Takeaway
Hide in the shadow of His wings until the storm passes. Then let Him make your heart steadfast, and wake the dawn with praise.
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