Psalm 57 – The Steadfast Heart
(Written by Stephen Lew)
David faced many hardships including pursuit by King Saul, who wanted to kill him. David was hiding in a cave when Saul entered that same cave to relieve himself. David’s men saw it as an opportunity for David to rid himself of an enemy and claim the throne God had promised to David. But David refused to touch Saul, whom God had anointed king over Israel. Instead, he chose to wait for God to act. He knew there was no need to do wrong, however great the pressure, for God would surely bless and give him the throne in God’s own time.
David was steadfast in his trust and faith in God. He knew God was in control, even as uncertain and fearful as his future was. It was several years later that God fulfilled His purpose and placed David on Israel’s throne. Through all those years David maintained a steadfast trust in God’s love, and in God’s faithfulness.
We too can have this kind of confidence in God. When pressures tempt us to seek relief by doing wrong, we can pray to a God who will never let His purpose in our lives fail. Being secure and firm in one’s convictions and trusting God’s promises will guide us through unknown tomorrows.
David did not wait for his circumstances to change before he praised God. It was his heart’s desire to see God’s glory and God’s greatness proclaimed everywhere. When we encounter difficulties and challenges in life, there is one thing that we should desire more than anything else: The glory and the praise of God for His boundless mercy and unfailing faithfulness.
Let’s Read Psalm 57
1 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.
Let’s Pray,
Thank You, O God, for this Psalm of David that is such a comfort in challenging times and refreshes our hearts in distressing circumstances. Help us not to focus on life’s external problems nor the internal doubts that can enter our minds and cause us to fear. Help us to bring to mind Your precious promises and to cast all our burdens on You. We praise You and exalt Your glorious name. In Jesus’ name I pray, 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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