Psalm 57-58

“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. I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.” (Psalm 57:1–2, ESV)

David was in serious trouble. King Saul was pursuing him like a hunter pursuing a trophy stag. Throughout Israel people were loyal to Saul and would do anything to be in good favor with him—including delivering David into his hand. To whom could David turn for help? He fled into a cave with his army and prayed to the LORD for mercy and protection.

David’s conscience was clear. He knew that he had done nothing wrong. His intentions toward Saul had always been good. Even when Saul hunted David to kill him, David would not lift his hand against the LORD’s anointed one. Instead, he committed his cause to the LORD. Like a chick seeking protection beneath the wings of its mother hen, so David took refuge in His God until the storms of destruction passed by. They always come to pass. Moreover, David cried out to God Most High, for he trusted in Him to fulfill His purposes. Hadn’t God chosen David and anointed him to be king of Israel? Then David knew that God would preserve his life until He established him as king. We are indestructible until God is through with us.

Is there someone who is wrongfully accusing you? Does someone seek your harm rather than your welfare? Resist taking matters into your own hands. Resist spreading your wrath to others. Don’t go to your persecutor with a log in your own eye. Rather wait on the LORD and trust in Him to work it out. He will deliver you and put to shame those who slander you.

“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” (Romans 16:20, ESV)