Day 340: Psalm 57- Cave Song

To the choirmaster: according to Do Not Destroy. A Miktam of David, when he fled from Saul, in the cave.
 
1 Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. 2 I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me. 3 He will send from heaven and save me; he will put to shame him who tramples on me. Selah God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness! 4 My soul is in the midst of lions; I lie down amid fiery beasts— the children of man, 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 set a net for my steps; my soul was bowed down. They dug a pit in my way, but they have fallen into it themselves. Selah 7 My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast! I will sing and make melody! 8     Awake, my glory! Awake, O harp and lyre!  I will awake the dawn! 9 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations.10 For your steadfast love is great to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.
 
11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!
 
 
Meditation
Here is a fun “get to know you” question for your next dinner party: If you were stuck in a cave, on the run for your life, what would you sing about? King David’s answer is in today’s Psalm and can be lyrics for our life when we are overwhelmed by difficult circumstances.
 
David pleads for mercy (1) beyond the rock walls of cave, looking to the Lord for refuge (2). The shadow of God’s wings (see Ruth 2:12 & Matthew 23:37) is more secure than the shelter of circumstances (3). God sends His steadfast love to save!
 
From the depth of despair David calls God the “Most High,” orienting his eyes beyond his circumstances (4). David begins to sing- Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth (5, 11)! Seeing God as higher than our troubles lifts our hearts to join the chorus of Heaven.
 
David’s difficulties have not disappeared (6) but he commits his heart to steadfastly trust the Lord (7). David preaches to himself, commanding his being to awaken to God’s glory (8). David commits himself to be thankful (9). God’s steadfast love surrounds David and also reaches to the heavens. David sings in the cave- Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth (5, 11)!
 
God’s grace and faithfulness finds us in our darkest places and lifts our hearts to exalt His name when we trust His steadfast love more than our struggles. Let’s sing together!
 
Richly Dwelling
-Does it sound silly to sing in a cave when you are on the run for your life? Why or why not?
 
-How does seeing God as the “Most High” help lift the eyes of your heart off of your circumstances and place them onto His steadfast love that reaches to the Heavens?
 
-Paul joins the chorus of this Psalm in Romans 15:9. Practically, how can you?
 
Key Verse
5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!
11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!