Psalm 57 (1 Samuel 22:1-5)

Can you think of a time in your life when you realized that a problem you were facing, and hoping would be dealt with quickly, was in fact going to continue to be part of your daily life for some time to come?  Perhaps, let’s say, you were being harassed by someone at your job-site.  You dealt with the issue through proper means and thought you had it worked out.  But now you find out upper management has reversed the decision of the Human Relations department and you are being required to continue working with this difficult person.

Now imagine that your problem is not simply a difficult relationship.  In fact your “problem person” is out to kill you.  This is the situation with David.  He has had to run from King Saul.  He had thought he could find safety among the Philistines (1 Samuel 21:10-15; cf. Day 41 on Psalm 56).  But that turned out to be a treacherous situation so he has not fled to the Judean desert, to the “cave of Adullam.”  It now hits him that he is going to be running for his life for some time to come.  This isn’t going to end soon.

When our test moves from a “test of faith” to a “test of faithfulness” we are faced with new or increased temptations.  The thought of taking a shortcut, one involving immorality or disobedience to the will of God, becomes stronger.  Perhaps for that reason David is yet again before his God to plead for mercy.

·        The plea: for mercy, v1-3.

·        The problem: he is among lions, v4.

·        The prayer: be exalted, O God, v5.

·        The prediction: they will receive recompense, v6.

·        The praise: for mercy, v7-10.

·        The prayer: be exalted, O God, v11.

Verse 1 in some ways summarizes the entire Psalm.  He needs a refuge until the calamities pass by.  David’s problem is going to go on longer than expected.

Did you see Who it is David calls on for help?  It is God who performs for me.

Notice that the prayer he prays while in trouble (v5) is the same as the prayer he prays as he anticipates God’s deliverance (v11).  That is because the prayer is certain to be answered by God.  David prays that God will glorify Himself.  That is always proper!

Many who read this are familiar with an often sung worship chorus that sets the words of this Psalm to music.  As David does here, perhaps it would be to the strengthening of our faith by singing those words to the Lord regularly as we pour out our hearts to Him.  If that is your heart then you will be set for a rough road, no matter how long the journey.

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;

Let your glory be above all the earth.