Passage: Psalm 59
The Big Idea
David wrote this when Saul sent men to watch his house and kill him (1 Samuel 19). Enemies prowl the city every evening like growling dogs. But David waits for God, his strength and defense, and sings in the morning of His power and mercy. My God of mercy shall come to meet me.
Reflections
Deliver me from my enemies, O my God (vv. 1-2). Step in and show Your mercy. Everyone needs Your love, so fill me with it and I’ll let You do the defending. I’ll lie down so You have all the room You need to work.
Not for my transgression nor for my sin (vv. 3-4). You see everything: their plans, their motives. I’m not perfect, but I’m innocent of what they accuse me of, and You’re my defender. I need You every day to control what I can’t control, which is everything. My only power is to love and forgive. Awake to help me, and behold!
Awake to punish all the nations (v. 5). Sometimes judgment is needed to put fear into hearts and save some. I don’t know Your timing, but I trust You.
At evening they return, they growl like a dog (vv. 6-7). It seems like I face the enemy’s attacks every day, and some I love have been taken captive by his lies. “Who hears?” they say, with no fear of God. Show them Your power and Your love for Your children.
But You, O Lord, shall laugh at them (v. 8). They’re no threat to You. You’re in control, wise and patient, and Your plans can’t be thwarted. I’m Your servant. Let me hear Your orders today.
I will wait for You, O You his Strength; for God is my defense (v. 9). Jesus waited on the Father in prayer and humility and showed the world His glory. I’ll wait like Him. As the Father cared for Jesus every day, He’ll care for me. Jesus laid down His life for the Father’s will, and I lay mine down too.
My God of mercy shall come to meet me (v. 10). I want the attacks to stop and evil to be brought down. But as for me, I have Your mercy, and I stand in it. I wait for You to come and meet me, to commune with me. I abide in Your mercy and wait on Your grace with humility and faith.
Do not slay them, lest my people forget (vv. 11-13). I want everyone to see Your power. Be my shield. Bring down their pride, cursing and lies. Let them know that God rules in Jacob. Let them know You rule in me, though I’m still imperfect, and that You love and defend me. Move in the hearts of every prodigal, and bring them home.
At evening they return (vv. 14-15). Their behavior doesn’t change. They keep circling, never satisfied, searching for more.
But I will sing of Your power… in the morning (vv. 16-17). You have been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble. To You, O my Strength, I will sing praises; for God is my defense, my God of mercy.
Grace Takeaway
The night may be full of growling, but morning is coming. Wait for Him. Your God of mercy is coming to meet you.
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