Psalm 56 (1 Samuel 21:10-15)

As we read through the Psalms in the “50’s” we see David regularly confronting enemies.  You may wonder what kind of man he was that he had so many enemies.  Remember the answer: it is because he was God’s man!  He was in frequent trouble with men because he stood with God.  The title for this Song bears this out, referring to the time David fled from Saul to the area of the Philistines, only to find his life in danger again (1 Sam. 21:10-15).  Why was he fleeing from Saul?  Because God had chosen David to be the next king.  You may ask why did David not go ahead and kill the current king?  And the answer to that is, it was not the will of God.  Saul was God’s anointed; David had to wait (1 Sam. 24:4-7; 26:8-11).  David did not have enemies because he was contentious; he had enemies because he was a righteous man.

In Psalm 56 we find another great expression of faith in God.  Twice David repeats similar words (v3-4 and 10-11) that are worthy of our own memorization and meditation.  In God I trust; therefore I will have no fear of man.  Perhaps you remember the proverb, “the fear of man brings a snare but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe” (Prov. 29:25).  This Psalm fleshes out that truth.  To fear man is to be caught in a trap; we will turn away from God to escape man.  David trusted in God; thus what man threatened to do was of little consequence.

The layout of this Hymn of faith makes it easy to “sing” or remember.

Ø  Plea for mercy (in the face of an enemy), v1-2

·         Expression of faith, v3-4

·         The fierce power of the enemy, v5-7

·         The faithful power of God, v8-9

·         Expression of faith, v10-11

Ø  Promise of praise, v12-13

David pleads for mercy because he has an enemy.  The enemy is strong.  But God is faithful and will fulfill His word to David.  Interjected into his prayer are two expressions of faith that are an encouragement to David.  God delivered David in many ways throughout his life.  In this case it was by a ruse, feigning insanity.  God’s ways are many and wondrous to behold!

We have promises that when we pray in faith we will have what we ask for.  So learn at least two things from this Psalm.  First, we can’t believe God for what we cannot say is His will.  David had a promise from God to be king that meant he would be delivered from his enemies in the years between his anointing and coronation.  When we pray we need to depend on Scripture for the sure will of God.  We don’t need to tell Him how to deliver us; but we need to count on Him to fulfill His word to us.  And that’s the second thing: use Scripture in prayer to encourage your faith.  Do as David did twice in this Song.  It’s not so much reminding God as it is reminding ourselves of God’s promises.