Talking with Yourself
Opening Prayer
Lord, I’m thankful that I can spend this time sharing my heart with You, and that You want me to!
Read Psalm 57:1-11
[1] For the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” Of David. A miktam. When he had fled from Saul into the cave. 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. [2] I cry out to God Most High, to God, who vindicates me. [3] He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me- God sends forth his love and his faithfulness. [4] 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. [5] Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth. [6] They spread a net for my feet- I was bowed down in distress. They dug a pit in my path- but they have fallen into it themselves. [7] My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. [8] Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. [9] I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. [10] For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. [11] Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth. 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 do you learn about God's nature here?In this psalm we listen in to the writer’s conversation with God. The background is given as a time when the psalmist (probably David) is on the run from King Saul, hiding in a cave for safety (1 Sam. 22:1; 24:2.) It is understandable that he calls upon God to protect him (1), as a bird protects its young, an image used elsewhere to describe God’s protection (look at Psas. 17:8; 63:7; 91:4, which may also refer to the wings on the lid of the Ark of the Covenant, Exod. 25). In the refrain in vs. 5 and 11, the psalmist not only calls for God to protect him but, in the light of his rescue, he calls upon the whole earth to honor God’s name. What’s more, he instructs himself in vs. 8 and 9 with a determined resolution: “I will praise You, Lord…I will sing of You….” This psalm inspires us to look beyond our own need of God, to see that his actions in our lives will have repercussions far beyond our personal situation. So, we must ensure that we continue to acknowledge God.
Apply
Tell God about your need for protection. Tell him how you long for others to praise him. Then praise God yourself!
Closing prayer
Great Lord, like David, I would that the whole earth acknowledge You and give You the praise You deserve.
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