Lessons From Psalm 57                                            Psalm 57

We’ve seen how God tells us his plan for us in the Old Testament, and it’s good to study those. It helps strengthen our faith and it reenforces God’s Word in our lives. But along with telling us what he will do, God also infuses Old Testament scripture with messages about what we should do. Today we’re looking at one of those. Our reading takes place while David is in a cave hiding from King Saul, and through what David is experiencing God gives us instructions for our lives.

Verse 1, “Have mercy on me, my God…for in you I have taken refuge.” David had lost everything; his wife, his friends, his status, his freedom. Wherever he went, David was a wanted man. Worst of all, David did nothing to deserve this.

Today we see David in the cave of Adullam, the name means “refuge.” It is here, with everything taken away from away, with his life not guaranteed even for the next ten minutes, David proclaimed in faith that God was his refuge and protection.   

I never had to hide in order to protect my very life. Oh, I’ve had setbacks, but never anything in the way David has here. But during those times of loss, of fear, of desperation, in some small degree, I was David. Each of us in our lives have had a time or two where we felt overwhelmed and desperate, lost and unconsolable. David at Adullam symbolizes the refuge God offers each of us when we find ourselves alone and in distress.

“Have mercy on me…in you I take refuge.” David didn’t say this to earn mercy, he said it to articulate that he knows God is his only hope, that he trusted God even under these circumstances.

When we are in dire circumstances, we’re not supposed to try and make a deal with God; “God help me and I will go to church more,” we’re to have faith and trust in God because he is the only thing we can have faith and trust in.

Verse 1 also says, “I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.” Instead of trying to fight his own battles, instead of asking God for an army of angels to fight for him, David asked for God’s protection. David demonstrated his humility before God by not asking for personal power, but by relying on God’s power because it was only God who could save him.

As the faithful, we have the Holy Spirit with us every second of every day. David asking God to protect him physically is a shadow of us, for we are to ask the Holy Spirit to protect us. But more than just physically, we are to rely on the Spirit to protect us from the evil one. We must rely on the Holy Spirit of God to protect us from Satan’s temptations and whisperings.

Verse 3, “He sends from heaven and save me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me - God sends forth his love and faithfulness.” In the midst of his trouble, with no positive outcome foreseen, David proclaims with confidence that God will deliver him.

David believed God’s word and promises. God had anointed David to be the future king of Israel. David knew, and had faith that God would not go back on his promise. God has promised each of us redemption and salvation if we have faith in Christ Jesus. God’s promise to us will be kept. He will never renege on it. If you believe on Jesus, have faith in God’s Son, whatever hardships the world throws your way, whatever stumbling stones the deceiver puts before your feet, God’s promise will be fulfilled in you.

Psalm 55:18, “He rescues me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me.” Psalm 71:20, “Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again…” Whatever we are faced with in this life, God will restore us healthy, whole, redeemed, and glorified in his presence for all eternity.

Before we look at the next verses, I want us to be reminded that in his youth David defeated and killed Goliath. He was the hero of Israel. With this in mind let’s look at verses 4 and 5; “I am in the midst of lions, I am forced to dwell among ravenous beasts…Be exalted, O God, above the heavens…”

Despite being the hero of Israel and anointed as the nation’s future king, David did not ask to be rescued for his own glory. Verse 5, “Let your glory be overall the earth.” David asked to be delivered so through it God would be glorified. What if I asked God to let me win the lottery and he does. I now have millions of dollars. Do I put it in the bank and live a life of leisure and plenty? Let’s say I want to honor God so I set up philanthropic accounts to give aid to the needy, but I make sure everyone knows it’s my money an I’m doing it. That’s an attempt to honor me, not glorify God.

I may not have millions but Jen and I go to the diner quite often. Once a month, while we’re there, we look around us. Sometimes we see an elderly couple, sometimes it’s a young couple waiting for the bus sharing a bowl of soup, sometimes it’s a family with five kids. Whoever we see on that day that we think could use some blessing, we pay for their meal without letting them know it was us. When the waitress brings them their bill with “paid” written on it, I also have her write “God bless you” on it. God has blessed my life in the way he sees fit. I want to use what I’m blessed with to bless others. And I want to do it in a way that glorifies God, not myself.

Verse 9, “I will praise you Lord among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. Let us be mindful that everything we have comes from God.

Several years ago there was a football player, Tim Tebow. He was a Christian and proudly proclaimed it. He knew his talent and the life it afforded him came from God. Whatever you have, praise God for it. Let others know what you know, God gave you your talent, your intellect, your abilities. When you’re complimented for your action, turn the compliment to God.

In his life David suffered many trials, and he kept praising God. David knew that every trial was a lesson, a learning opportunity sent by God. Each hardship presented him an occasion to grow, to develop, to learn, and to see God through his dependence on him.

Verse 10, “For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.”

With everything he’s gone through, and now hiding in a cave fearing for his life, and unsure of what will be, David gives praise. David acknowledges the unwavering love of God. If we were in similar circumstances, would we be so quick to thank God for his love? What if you’re stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire? What if your roof is leaking? What if you just got bad health news? How many of us would thank God for his love and faithfulness?

In 2 Corinthians, Paul talks about a thorn in his side, a weakness within his spirit. And yet it says in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

David and Paul show us that whatever may be troubling your life, give it to God, place it before the cross. Trust in the Lord and your heart, mind, and soul will rest easy.

Again this week we see the Old Testament has lessons for us. Psalm 57 tells us God is our refuge in the worst times of our lives. Approach him in faith. Seek the Holy Spirit’s protection from the evil one.

God promised to deliver you into paradise, and whatever the conditions in your life, God will fulfill that promise.

In all situations, glorify God and not yourself. Praise God for the good in your life and for the lessons learned through the bad in your life.

And finally, give your troubles to Christ, and rest in your life.

Amen