Under Attack!
Opening Prayer
Dear Lord, open my heart to Your Word today. May I learn how to trust confidently in Your Words and Your promises.
Read Psalm 56
[1] For the director of music. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” Of David. A miktam. When the Philistines had seized him in Gath. Be merciful to me, my God, for my enemies are in hot pursuit; all day long they press their attack. [2] My adversaries pursue me all day long; in their pride many are attacking me. [3] When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. [4] In God, whose word I praise- in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? [5] All day long they twist my words; all their schemes are for my ruin. [6] They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps, hoping to take my life. [7] Because of their wickedness do not let them escape; in your anger, God, bring the nations down. [8] Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll- are they not in your record? [9] Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me. [10] In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise- [11] in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me? [12] I am under vows to you, my God; I will present my thank offerings to you. [13] For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life. 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
Where do you put your trust?The title of the psalm gives an idea of the context in which David wrote this prayer (see 1 Sam. 21:10–15). Surrounded by his enemies, David confidently declares his trust in God. Twice in the psalm David asks, “What can mere mortals do to me?” This is interesting in the light of what we read in Ephesians 6 about our struggle not being against flesh and blood. Whatever shape the enemy of God takes, it is important that we take up all of the resources God gives us to stand firm. What pieces of the “armor of God” does David draw on in this psalm? David feels that he is being watched and that his movements are monitored by people with evil intent. He counters the fear this instills in him by remembering that God watches over him as he asks God to record his tears. What effect does the knowledge of God watching over you have on your thinking and on your emotions? The refrain David builds into this psalm focuses on God’s Word and on his trustworthiness. Reflect for a moment on the part these things play in your relationship with God. In what ways could verse 13 be a summary of what we have thought about as we read Ephesians?
Apply
Are there times when you are under pressure and you doubt that God is for you?
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