I Cry Out To God Most High

Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.

I cry out to God Most High, to God, who vindicates me.

He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me— God sends forth his love and his faithfulness.

I am in the midst of lions; I am forced to dwell among ravenous beasts—men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords.

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.

They spread a net for my feet— was bowed down in distress. They dug a pit in my path—but they have fallen into it themselves.

My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.

Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn.

I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples.

For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.

Psalm 57:1-11

Psalm 57 has long provided rich inspiration for worship songs. When David declared, “Be exalted, O God, above the heavens,” we might imagine Him gazing up at a magnificent Middle Eastern sky or perhaps singing in a tabernacle service. But in reality David, fearful for his life, was hiding in a cave.

In the psalm David says, “I am in the midst of lions.” These “ravenous beasts” were “men who teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords.”

David’s praise was conceived in crisis. Although he was cornered by enemies who wanted him dead, David could write these amazing words: “My heart, O God, is steadfast…I will sing and make music.”

Whatever crisis we face today, we can run to God for help. Then we can praise Him as we wait expectantly, confident in His infinitely creative care for us.

Your next crisis is your next opportunity to trust in our unfailing God.

Our Daily Bread – October 3, 2017