From Panic To Praise
Opening Prayer
Father God, be with me today, everywhere I am, whatever I do. I trust in Your loving, faithful care.
Read Psalm 59:1-17
[1] For the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” Of David. A miktam. When Saul had sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, O God; be my fortress against those who are attacking me. [2] Deliver me from evildoers and save me from those who are after my blood. [3] See how they lie in wait for me! Fierce men conspire against me for no offense or sin of mine, LORD. [4] I have done no wrong, yet they are ready to attack me. Arise to help me; look on my plight! [5] You, LORD God Almighty, you who are the God of Israel, rouse yourself to punish all the nations; show no mercy to wicked traitors. [6] They return at evening, snarling like dogs, and prowl about the city. [7] See what they spew from their mouths- the words from their lips are sharp as swords, and they think, “Who can hear us?” [8] But you laugh at them, LORD; you scoff at all those nations. [9] You are my strength, I watch for you; you, God, are my fortress, [10] my God on whom I can rely. God will go before me and will let me gloat over those who slander me. [11] But do not kill them, Lord our shield, or my people will forget. In your might uproot them and bring them down. [12] For the sins of their mouths, for the words of their lips, let them be caught in their pride. For the curses and lies they utter, [13] consume them in your wrath, consume them till they are no more. Then it will be known to the ends of the earth that God rules over Jacob. [14] They return at evening, snarling like dogs, and prowl about the city. [15] They wander about for food and howl if not satisfied. [16] But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. [17] You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What is David's problem and what is his solution?David’s home is under surveillance as King Saul looks to kill him. It’s a nightmare situation; the place of refuge and security becomes a place of anxiety and fear. Horror film directors use this scenario to great effect: the thing we most fear invades our home. How can you survive such a situation? The psalm moves between descriptions of the psalmist’s situation (3,6,7,14,15) and his developing response. We see his faith and confidence grow. In vs. 1-5, panic fuels prayer. Like a hunted animal, the psalmist cries to God. Often our fears can cut us off from God, isolating us in a world of worry. But when expressed, our fears are fuel for prayer. David then realizes while he is under surveillance, God is watching everyone and is in control (8). So, he will watch for God, his deliverer (9), with the same level of attentiveness with which his enemies look for an opportunity to attack. The nights may be times of concern (6,14), but the morning is punctuated by praise aloud (16). Every night passed safely increases confidence that rescue is near.
Apply
Name your anxieties to God, repeating the words of vs. 9,10. Resolve to trust God as your strength and fortress.
Closing prayer
As you pray now, thank God that he is a totally reliable source of help whenever you call on him.
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