Psalm 57
Praise and Assurance under Persecution
To the leader: Do Not Destroy. Of David. A Miktam, when he fled from Saul, in the cave.
1 Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me,
for in you my soul takes refuge;
in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge,
until the destroying storms pass by.
2 I cry to God Most High,
to God who fulfills his purpose for me.
3 He will send from heaven and save me,
he will put to shame those who trample on me.Selah
God will send forth his steadfast love and his faithfulness.
4 I lie down among lions
that greedily devour[a] human prey;
their teeth are spears and arrows,
their tongues sharp swords.
5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens.
Let your glory be over all the earth.
6 They set a net for my steps;
my soul was bowed down.
They dug a pit in my path,
but they have fallen into it themselves.Selah
7 My heart is steadfast, O God,
my heart is steadfast.
I will sing and make melody.
8 Awake, my soul!
Awake, O harp and lyre!
I will awake the dawn.
9 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing praises to you among the nations.
10 For your steadfast love is as high as the heavens;
your faithfulness extends to the clouds.
11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens.
Let your glory be over all the earth.
Reflection
This psalm speaks of such resilience in a time of great difficulty. Relying on God’s steadfast love during adverse times sounds like the right thing to do, but it is not always easy. We know it is the right church answer, but it is not always the easiest answer. Even the psalmist seems to know this struggle. He seems to call on his own soul to wake up and sing praises. Now is not the time to give up, but to get out the instruments and sing a new song. Wake up! Remember the steadfast love of the Lord and receive the comfort and strength it brings. Today, remember that love. Awaken your soul if need be and hold to the promise of God’s never ending love.
Prayer:
Awaken our souls so we can witness you never ending love. As we remember all you have done, are doing, and will do for us and your creation, help us find courage and strength to sing your praises. Help us to encourage others, not with trite sentiment, but deep faith and trust in you. Amen.