On Psalm 57, entitled:

“To the choirmaster: according to Do Not Destroy. A Miktam of David, when he fled from Saul, in the cave.”

• David is in an excruciatingly difficult place.

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,
till the storms of destruction pass by.

• God is merciful.
• David remembers God is merciful.
• It’s good to call out to God to show his mercy.
• There are “storms of destruction” around David; he is in real jeopardy.
• David was in a cave physically, but considered himself under God’s wings.

2 I cry out to God Most High,
to God who fulfills his purpose for me.

• God has a purpose for David.
• David was crying out — as if God could hear, and respond.
• God has a purpose for David — even in the storms of destruction.

3 He will send from heaven and save me;
he will put to shame him who tramples on me. Selah
God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness!

• God is in Heaven.
• David trusted God to save him with intervention from Heaven.
• David has certainty as a Prophet — God has revealed something special to David.
• The saving from heaven to be sent is:
• • His steadfast love
  • His faithfulness
• So we know steadfast love and faithfulness are useful for
• • God’s purpose
  • Saving
  • Protection from the storm of destruction

4 My soul is in the midst of lions;
I lie down amid fiery beasts—
the children of man, whose teeth are spears and arrows,
whose tongues are sharp swords.

• David was able to rest, to “lie down”
• David’s rest is among “lions” and “fiery beasts”.
• The “fiery beasts” and “lions” are descriptions of people — “children of man”
• The weapon of these beasts? Teeth and tongues
• How are teeth and tongues weapons? The words they say are destructive

5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!
Let your glory be over all the earth!

• David’s cry in the “storm of destruction” as he’s under attack is for God’s greatness to be seen and recognized

But does it apply to me?

Do you have a relationship with God like King David had? You can! He promises to make the same covenant (promises and commitments) that he makes with David — with anyone who admits they need God, and trusts him:

Isaiah 55:1-3 (ESV)

“Come, everyone who thirsts,

come to the waters;

and he who has no money,

come, buy and eat!

Come, buy wine and milk

without money and without price.

Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,

and your labor for that which does not satisfy?

Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,

and delight yourselves in rich food.

Incline your ear, and come to me;

hear, that your soul may live;

and I will make with you an everlasting covenant,

my steadfast, sure love for David.