Psalm 59 – Focus on the Lord
(Written by Dr Gregory H. Denysschen)
When your circumstances press about you as David experienced when his enemies were roaming the streets around him howling like dogs, it reflects a great triumph when you can sing victoriously like he did, “they return …snarling like dogs…but I will sing…” (v14,15). His focus is on the Lord who fills his heart with the joy to sing, regardless. In following his example we too will rise up in triumph over all adversity.
The psalm starts out with David calling on the Lord for deliverance and ends with him declaring that indeed, the Lord is his strength, refuge and deliverer. This ode of triumph demonstrates the line of progression from anxiety and uncertainty to full assurance as David turns to the Lord as One solid in His steadfast love. What started out as a tinge of fear due to the threatening situation, concluded with the victorious affirmation, “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. O my Strength, I sing praise to you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God. (Psalm 59:16-17 NIV)
David had to endure the life threatening animosity from Saul and his henchmen for around 10 to 15 years. For the child of God there is not always quick relief from the adverse circumstances but he can be assured at God’s ever present sustenance based on His powerful love. David had to live as a fugitive but he started singing at the beginning of his trial and ended it still singing. God’s grace is there for us too.
Let’s Read Psalm 59
For the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” Of David.
1 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.
Let’s Pray,
Dear Lord Jesus, teach us to conquer fear and anxiety as David did by turning to You and singing your praises in times of distress. Amen.
This devotional was kindly contributed by Dr. Chow Li Sze and her channel Heavenly Devotion. You may find the channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/HeavenlyDevotion/videos
About the Heavenly Devotion channel
The Heavenly Devotion channel is dedicated to encouraging you to listen to Bible Scriptures and pray with the Scriptures. They are inspired by the call of service as expressed and exemplified by Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 9:12-15.
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrew 4:12 NKJV)
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