Bless our God, O peoples

 Psalm 66:1–20 (ESV):  

1  Shout for joy to God, all the earth; 

2  sing the glory of his name; 

give to him glorious praise! 

3  Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! 

So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you. 

4  All the earth worships you 

and sings praises to you; 

they sing praises to your name.” Selah 

5  Come and see what God has done: 

he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man. 

6  He turned the sea into dry land; 

they passed through the river on foot. 

There did we rejoice in him, 

7  who rules by his might forever, 

whose eyes keep watch on the nations— 

let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah 

8  Bless our God, O peoples; 

let the sound of his praise be heard, 

9  who has kept our soul among the living 

and has not let our feet slip. 

10  For you, O God, have tested us; 

you have tried us as silver is tried. 

11  You brought us into the net; 

you laid a crushing burden on our backs; 

12  you let men ride over our heads; 

we went through fire and through water; 

yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance. 

13  I will come into your house with burnt offerings; 

I will perform my vows to you, 

14  that which my lips uttered 

and my mouth promised when I was in trouble. 

15  I will offer to you burnt offerings of fattened animals, 

with the smoke of the sacrifice of rams; 

I will make an offering of bulls and goats. Selah 

16  Come and hear, all you who fear God, 

and I will tell what he has done for my soul. 

17  I cried to him with my mouth, 

and high praise was on my tongue. 

18  If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, 

the Lord would not have listened. 

19  But truly God has listened; 

he has attended to the voice of my prayer. 

20  Blessed be God, 

because he has not rejected my prayer 

or removed his steadfast love from me! 

This psalm is an outpouring of praise, gratitude and love for God, remembering the things of the past and acknowledging God’s power, steadfast love and commitment. It is a recollection of the mightiness of God, and His commitment to His people. I like this psalm because it encourages all of us to recall the victories of the past, to share those testimonies and remind one another of what God has done. This is so important as it helps us to remember the character and nature of God and develops hope, faith and joy in us. No matter the season of life you're in, this psalm and these reflections in your own life will do you good.

Maybe, at the time this psalm was written, the nation of Israel was a bit down, struggling, bored or a bit fed up, or maybe they were corporately celebrating (v1-12) and personally grateful for what had happened. Whatever the mood of the nation, or of your town or household, this psalm inspires, and encourages us to think about how lives have been impacted by the work of God. It is a clear celebration and reminder that, ’he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man.’ God has not only been good to you, He has performed 'awesome deeds' in your life, it is good to remember and share about those.

Compared to the works of humans, no matter how amazing and inspiring they can be, God’s deeds are greater. He has invented the universe, given power to the wind, rain, sun and waves, He has caused people to walk on and through water, created animals and given them the power to speak, defeated untold enemies and broken down walls. These are just a handful of His mighty works from the Bible. You could list many more, plus those from your own experience. In my life, to list a few, I have seen; legs grow, backs healed, I have been healed of asthma, difficult situations have been broken, lives transformed, timely and unexpected financial provision, multiplication of food - that’s just from the top of my head, if I really thought about it I wonder how many more I could add to the list! What have you witnessed God do?

This psalm encourages us to think about the awesome deeds of God, because there are a lot, and sometimes we do not pause to consider them. If we did, we would be inspired and full of gratitude at being reminded of His greatness. Surely, life would seem happier and more hopeful if we paused to consider the greatness of God and continually reminded ourselves of God’s awesome deeds.  For, 'truly God has listened' and, 'he has not rejected my prayer or removed his steadfast love from me!'. Have you ever had a prayer answered? Known His provision and love? 

Once you see and recall the great works of God, David tells says that your response for appreciating the wonderful works of our mighty God should be to, ‘Bless our God..... let the sound of his praise be heard’. So, go ahead, bless God, tell Him how grateful you are for the things He has brought about and how wonderful He is. No matter the situation of life you are in, what is going on right now or how you are feeling - You should praise God today. His praise should be heard from your lips for the things of old, as well as the mercies and joys of today and promises of tomorrow. God has done great things, and you know it, so today let your joy increase by remembering the love, mercy, and awesome deeds of our God!

Praise is due

 Psalm 65:1–13 (ESV):  

1  Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion, 

and to you shall vows be performed. 

2  O you who hear prayer, 

to you shall all flesh come. 

3  When iniquities prevail against me, 

you atone for our transgressions. 

4  Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, 

to dwell in your courts! 

We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, 

the holiness of your temple! 

5  By awesome deeds you answer us with righteousness, 

O God of our salvation, 

the hope of all the ends of the earth 

and of the farthest seas; 

6  the one who by his strength established the mountains, 

being girded with might; 

7  who stills the roaring of the seas, 

the roaring of their waves, 

the tumult of the peoples, 

8  so that those who dwell at the ends of the earth are in awe at your signs. 

You make the going out of the morning and the evening to shout for joy. 

9  You visit the earth and water it; 

you greatly enrich it; 

the river of God is full of water; 

you provide their grain, 

for so you have prepared it. 

10  You water its furrows abundantly, 

settling its ridges, 

softening it with showers, 

and blessing its growth. 

11  You crown the year with your bounty; 

your wagon tracks overflow with abundance. 

12  The pastures of the wilderness overflow, 

the hills gird themselves with joy, 

13  the meadows clothe themselves with flocks, 

the valleys deck themselves with grain, 

they shout and sing together for joy. 

What do you praise and admire in life?

This psalm is full of the glory of nature, the peace that doesn’t make sense, provision, beauty, the joy of day and night, satisfaction, goodness and strength. The writer, David, attributes all these everyday things that we can admire and appreciate, to God. Every day each person can find things they appreciate and value, yet many do not recognise that the source of these marvellous things is God. If you think the mountains or trees are wonderful, the sunset and flocks of sheep beautiful, then consider how awesome the One who created and sustains those things is. 

What do you praise and admire - the creator or the created? 

David starts this psalm saying that to God ‘praise is due’. Nothing else on Earth should inspire praise like God does, but do you direct praise to Him, or do other things get your words of worth and wonder? It is easy to admire the fragrance and beauty of a flower, and wonder how it was put together and is held in place as it is both delicate, yet strong. Does your admiration stop there, or does your joy extend to give praise where it is due - to God? He is the one that deserves it. The flower did nothing to be there, nor did the sheep, mountains or trees, or even us as human beings. but there One who made and provides everything! To Him alone, praise is due. So, how do you praise, worship or honour such a God? Praise comes in different forms; thanksgiving, admiration, singing, dancing, music, prayer, and keeping your promises. Praise can be shown through living a noble, godly and grateful life, where you keep your word as well as through a joyful outpouring of lyrics. Praise is not just expressed through a verbal outpouring, but also a quiet spirit and a determination to be a worshipper through living life in a way that honours God no matter where you are or who you are with. Your behaviour, speech, attitude and activities can give God praise, and show the extent of your gratitude to Him, or not. So, are you giving God praise through your promises, lifestyle, words and actions?

God deserves to be praised and worshipped. You can see His goodness, power and love in all of the marvellous things He has made - these in themselves inspire awe, yet God hasn’t stopped there in His wonderful deeds. For this Almighty, majestic, powerful and delightful God, takes time to listen and speak to you! This busy, prevalent, masterful, creative, Lord and King deigns to listen to and answer you (v5). Don’t you think that is incredible?! When you speak with God, He responds. For God answers with, ‘awesome deeds’ and ‘righteousness’. How wonderful is that?! 

Yet, how often do you miss out on God responding? 

When you talk to God, particularly when you are asking something, what kind of response do you expect? It is good to consider this as you can miss His answer if you are not alert. God responds to you, He is not ignorant or too busy to reply, yet He answers in righteousness and awesome deeds - are you looking out for these things? God does not always do what you expect or what you want - sometimes you may not even like His answer. God sees beyond what you seek Him for and will do what is right no matter how you pray (He answers in righteousness remember?). Bear in mind that God may not always agree with you on the best course of action, so are you willing to see things God’s way instead of insisting on your own? For God’s response, if you are willing to wait for it, will be awesome and righteous (v5)! 

David is a great example for how to talk to God, and for waiting for God to respond. He got it right sometimes, and sometimes he got it wrong, just like the rest of us. He prayed about what was concerning him and He extolled the character of God whilst doing so. he always honoured God whether he understood what was going on or not, and he always had hope beyond his circumstances. As David set his mind to worship God even in trouble, difficulty, pain and unanswered prayer. Sometimes your answers, or what you need, can come by simply remembering the beauty of who God is. He has established mountains, He stills seas and calms the chaos inside of people, He has created morning and evening and keeps it all going, He waters the Earth and provides food and beauty and strength through it (v5 - 13). Just pondering about these things and imagining the strength, love, security and power that this takes can put your life and the issues you face into perspective. Surely, following a God like that is worth waiting for and depending upon. 

Therefore, today consider; how do you praise God? Do you praise God in your lifestyle and choices? Do you wait and listen for God’s response? Are you holding on for God's awesome deeds and righteousness, and watching out for them? 

God is ‘the hope of all the ends of the earth’ and to Him, 'praise is due'

the inward mind and heart of a man are deep

 Psalm 64:1–10 (ESV):  

1  Hear my voice, O God, in my complaint; 

preserve my life from dread of the enemy. 

2  Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked, 

from the throng of evildoers, 

3  who whet their tongues like swords, 

who aim bitter words like arrows, 

4  shooting from ambush at the blameless, 

shooting at him suddenly and without fear. 

5  They hold fast to their evil purpose; 

they talk of laying snares secretly, 

thinking, “Who can see them?” 

6  They search out injustice, 

saying, “We have accomplished a diligent search.” 

For the inward mind and heart of a man are deep. 

7  But God shoots his arrow at them; 

they are wounded suddenly. 

8  They are brought to ruin, with their own tongues turned against them; 

all who see them will wag their heads. 

9  Then all mankind fears; 

they tell what God has brought about 

and ponder what he has done. 

10  Let the righteous one rejoice in the Lord 

and take refuge in him! 

Let all the upright in heart exult! 

Words can easily entangle and lead us down a path we never really intended on going down. This psalm can remind us how the words of deception, rumours and lies spread, and build into becoming swords, arrows and snares. The little quips and comments grow to transform people into enemies, this is what happened to David. It is bad enough having one person lying about you, saying horrible things and plotting against you, but David had a ‘throng of evildoers’ against him. How did that happen? These enemies and their schemes all started somewhere. There was one moment when something was done or said that has taken over and spiralled. One disagreement, angry word, disappointment, error, jealousy or miscommunication has led to people becoming disgruntled, conniving enemies. It may not even have been anything to do with what David has done or said. People can become our enemies for many reasons. Yet, just because someone is railing against you, doesn’t mean you should do the same. David recognised this. It is important, even when people are horrible to you, to deal with them well - To live above reproach. David did not; shout things back, sneak around after them, try to catch them out or even confront and fight them. He could have done - he was a powerful, mighty king! Even though he could have fought, and won, he did not take matters into his own hands. He could have permanently got rid of these troublesome, lying, deceitful, wicked plotters who attacked him. Instead, David preferred God's way. He talked to God about it and trusted in His eventual salvation, knowing that God’s way is better. David did not repay evil for evil, but he patiently waited for God to start shooting His arrows instead of shooting his own. For David knew that God would transform the situation and cause these enemies to be on the run and descend into ruin because they are attacking God’s man. God preserves and fights for those who love Him, so David was assured that he would not only be rescued by God from this situation, but that it would also be for the benefit other believers too. As they would see God come through and rejoice! (V10). What is your response when people behave like enemies towards you?

It is important as mentioned above, to ensure that you are living above reproach in every circumstance. To make sure that even if people treat you badly, you do not do the same to them. Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:39, "I say to you, do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also”. Jesus' advice - Do not try to squash the behaviour of those acting badly, but let them do it! By that you are showing love and mercy like God does to us. Do not allow yourself to retaliate or become angry, for that is not godliness and you will just end up behaving the same way as those against you and become wicked yourself. Consider the disciples in the book of Acts, they undergo terrible treatment, but do not react in their own strength. They endure torture and imprisonment and glorify and trust in God through it. They did not retaliate, fight or argue back. Instead they imitated their saviour in their loving and merciful responses to those who became their enemies. They are great examples of living a painful, but dedicated life to God. They lived their life fully for Him and that meant they didn’t always behave in the way they wanted to. The disciples understood that Jesus had shown that the battle is not really theirs, that even the enemies are not fighting you, but the godliness that is within. They also realised that any argument or physical fight is not going to change the heart or mindset of the wicked. Only the love and mercy of God can do that. Do you allow this to be the case when you have enemies? Or do you roll your sleeves up ready for a fight?

David also gives us an insight in this psalm that people have many reasons for doing things as, ‘The inward mind and heart of a man are deep’. David has realised that all people have; fears, hurts, joys and hopes which combine to influence their behaviour. David recognises that there are many reasons why someone will act in a certain way because they are ‘deep’. Some get carried away, follow others, respond out of heartache, try to provide security - there are many explanations of why people behave as they do because we are complex creatures. Friends and enemies have reasons to be such, and predominantly it is not because of you. It is because of the deep things that are going on inside of them. The behaviour and decisions a person makes are often not due to one experience or one comment, but there are many thoughts, values and experiences that lead to it. Those who live righteously and those who live wickedly choose to do so as a result of the internal processing of many ideas, ideals, experiences and goals. The things that mould a person into who they become are many and complicated, and they impact how they treat others. 

When you are on the receiving end of poor behaviour or wickedness, it is easy to consider the person or people involved as wicked. Yet you do not know the inner depths of each person for, ‘The inward mind and heart of a man are deep’. You do not know that they have been through, or why they are acting as they are. Sometimes these people may even seem quite nice and honourable, as they may act wickedly towards you, but they also can seem righteous or good at times! (v5-6) People are complex creatures, we all are. We all have different motivations and reasons for being like we are. We can even seem nice to some and horrid to others. David has noticed how even those plotting evil diligently against him, ‘search out injustice’. Yet they themselves are unjust in their words and actions towards him. It is a conundrum, but not one that any of us can solve by worrying about it. Instead, David does the only thing he can - talks to God about it - the One who knows the innermost being of every man and woman, and he trusts Him to sort it out. David is certain God will bring about the right course of action, and he will wait for it. For now, until his rescue comes, David will take refuge in speaking with God, trusting in His protection, for the time will come when ‘God shoots his arrows’ at these evildoers, and the people of God will, ‘rejoice in the Lord’ for the victory God has brought about. So instead of preparing to fight, why not take guidance from David, who did not roll up his sleeves and prepare for a battle when people plotted against him, but talked to God, carried on his everyday life and waited and trusted in the love and mercy of God to bring salvation and reason for all of God's people to rejoice?

 

Is it well with your soul?

 Psalm 63:1–11 (ESV):  

A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. 

1  O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; 

my soul thirsts for you; 

my flesh faints for you, 

as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. 

2  So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, 

beholding your power and glory. 

3  Because your steadfast love is better than life, 

my lips will praise you. 

4  So I will bless you as long as I live; 

in your name I will lift up my hands. 

5  My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, 

and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, 

6  when I remember you upon my bed, 

and meditate on you in the watches of the night; 

7  for you have been my help, 

and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. 

8  My soul clings to you; 

your right hand upholds me. 

9  But those who seek to destroy my life 

shall go down into the depths of the earth; 

10  they shall be given over to the power of the sword; 

they shall be a portion for jackals. 

11  But the king shall rejoice in God; 

all who swear by him shall exult, 

for the mouths of liars will be stopped. 

In the wilderness, physical or spiritual, you can take God with you. He doesn’t disappear when life gets dull or difficult, dry or barren, but do you include Him in your life when it does? 

David was in an actual wilderness, but was also feeling empty and fruitless in himself. This psalm shows how his internal state is reflected by his natural surroundings. He was feeling thirsty and faint, tired, bored, fed up, living in lack and unrefreshed. Ever felt like that? David could see the similarities between where he was physically to how he was doing mentally, emotionally and spiritually. There was a wilderness around him and also insider him. So, not content to continue living like that, David decided to do something about it. 

For David realised that just because he was in a physical wilderness, it doesn’t mean he needed to live feeling; dull, dried up and barren in himself. So he recalled happier, more fulfilling times. He remembered the joy of praising God in the sanctuary, he recalled the help God has been to him, and that even when he feels like he is just clinging on, God has firm hold of him (v8)! Even now. Even when there are jackals prowling about, scorching heat, little to nourish the body, David takes comfort and refreshment from God as the nourishment for his soul. David knows God is the same now in this fruitless, dry season as He is in the times of partying and plenty, therefore he set his mind to live in the joy of the former times. He intentionally set his heart and mind on his previous experiences that showed God’s presence. He allowed himself to be happy with the memories of what he had been through to encourage and inspire him to keep going in this wilderness. For David knew, that just as at those great times, his soul, his internal state could still be peaceful, content and experience joy, even in the wilderness. Times like this will come to us all, David demonstrates that we can not just survive those times but we can also thrive in them, for he says, 'My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips'. Do you set your heart and mind to be content when the going gets tough?

This attitude reminds me of a hymn called, ‘it is well with my soul’. The lyrics are inspiring and behind them is the story of tragedy. The writer of the hymn, Horatio Spafford, within a few short years lost his money and all his children (see this link to read more (story behind 'it is well with my soul'). Yet in the midst of this tragedy, God comforted and spoke to him so that his response was to write the hymn, ‘it is well with my soul’. What an inspiration and a great example of faith! This man was walking through misery, a fruitless wilderness, but he clung onto the fact that he was not walking alone. He did not abandon God, but remembered and valued Him during the life altering pain. Just like David. 

Both men, Horatio and David, knew and experienced the reality that it could be well with their soul in the most terrifying and terrible times of life. The same can be true of you too if you decide that, no matter the circumstances, your ‘soul clings to’ God. These men did not allow life’s tragedies, confusions, dullness or difficulties define their faith, but their faith defined their troubles. These men of God held firm to Him, and He shaped and informed their lives even in the wilderness. They set their minds to remember God and recall His; faithfulness, kindness, power and love even in the darkest times because His, ‘steadfast love is better than life’. Therefore their souls were, ‘satisfied as with fat and rich food’. They were content, although grieving, firm in purpose although confused, and faith-filled although surrounded by trouble and tragedy. They lived all of life with God; the good, bad, and everything in-between. Is this how you live your life?

The lives of Horatio and David give us powerful testimonies of how a believer can live not just in behaviour, but also in mindset. They both understood that no matter the situation, ’it is well with my soul’. Is it well with yours? 

When life brings trouble and tragedy, do you accept and cling to the truth that God is with you, He loves you and is good? His right hand can uphold you if you let Him. Your life could become a great testimony of hope and faith, like these men, if you learn to remember and celebrate God throughout your life no matter the circumstances. You have the great privilege of living life remembering that it is well with your soul because of Jesus, do you? Are you living a life of contentment even when life is unpleasant or even tragic? You too could inspire others, even future generations if you live your life knowing the wellness of your soul in all situations.

it is well with my soul

Riches, power and wealth

 Psalm 62:1–12 (ESV):  

1  For God alone my soul waits in silence; 

from him comes my salvation. 

2  He alone is my rock and my salvation, 

my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken. 

3  How long will all of you attack a man 

to batter him, 

like a leaning wall, a tottering fence? 

4  They only plan to thrust him down from his high position. 

They take pleasure in falsehood. 

They bless with their mouths, 

but inwardly they curse. Selah 

5  For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, 

for my hope is from him. 

6  He only is my rock and my salvation, 

my fortress; I shall not be shaken. 

7  On God rests my salvation and my glory; 

my mighty rock, my refuge is God. 

8  Trust in him at all times, O people; 

pour out your heart before him; 

God is a refuge for us. Selah 

9  Those of low estate are but a breath; 

those of high estate are a delusion; 

in the balances they go up; 

they are together lighter than a breath. 

10  Put no trust in extortion; 

set no vain hopes on robbery; 

if riches increase, set not your heart on them. 

11  Once God has spoken; 

twice have I heard this: 

that power belongs to God, 

12  and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love. 

For you will render to a man 

according to his work. 

How often do you silently wait?

David says, ‘For God alone my soul waits in silence’. When waiting, most people; complain, sigh, drum their fingers, stomp, groan or mutter, which increases their frustration. David, however, waits silently. Peacefully and patiently standing by for God to answer. How often do you do that - sit in the discomfort of waiting? I imagine it is more likely that most of us rush off to find solutions, sometimes even with the attitude of - “well, I prayed about it, God didn’t answer so I did x, y and z”. This leads to frustration, a decline in faith, and stress. If you learnt to wait for God, I wonder what answers you would get and I wonder what you would learn in the uncomfortable silence. David learnt to allow his soul to be at peace whilst he waited for he realised that, ‘from him comes my salvation’. When you ask God things, do you wait long enough and quietly enough for God to bring you answers and salvation? 

‘’I shall not be greatly shaken’

Is this your testimony? Do the events of life, changes of circumstance greatly shake you? There is a difference between being shaken and greatly shaken. Being shaken is like being shocked, feeling off-guard, seeing the twist in the story and not being ready for it. Greatly shaken is like feeling like your whole world is falling apart. We can all get shaken, surprising and shocking things happen, how do they effect you? If you believe and trust in God, then the things of llifeg may shale you but you shouldn't become greatly shaken. If you do, consider what foundations your life is built upon. Are you trusting fully in God, or is there something else that you lean and rely on; family, money, job, position, health? These things are like ‘a tottering fence’, it doesn’t take much for them to let you down. Yet God is your rock, salvation and your fortress, so look to and depend upon Him, then you cannot be greatly shaken. A storm may come, the fence will fall, but a rock remains firm. 

‘If riches increase, set not your heart upon them’

When money comes, it is easy to get distracted. Jesus himself tells us, “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!" (Mathew 19:24). An increase in money can easily become something that is relied upon. The world functions through money; you need it to buy; food, clothes, pay rent, bills, even fun and entertainment. So it is not easy to stop money having influence over your heart and mind, as you need it to function in this world. Times of blessing and abundance can breed danger for if you end up feeling happy and secure by having wealth, be careful that you haven't taken your mind and eyes off the One who has provided it. Money is fickle and will let you down, even if you feel like you have much. Instead put what you have in right perspective - just consider what you have in comparison to the riches of God! Your plenty is worth less than pennies to God, so look to Him, set your heart upon Him. Money is a resource, not a life source. So use it but do not allow your life to be built around it. God is the source of all things. So base your life, heart and mind on Him for money comes and money goes (just look at your bank account!). Yet God is stable and steadfast. 

'power belongs to God’

Do not waste your time, money or effort trying to gain influence or power, for the source of these things is God. If you want to know what power looks like - look at Him. Consider His power, and the way He uses it. God’s power sustains and loves His creation. Power exists in order to take care of and nurture what God has made - this was God’s mandate for man in the beginning that as humans we should take care of the Earth, this is the responsibility he gave humanity. So whatever power you have, consider, what do you use it for? Are you intentionally using whatever influence and power you have to take responsibility for loving God and His creation? If you are a follower of God, you have responsibility to look after God’s interests. Therefore any power, role or responsibility you are given on Earth, be mindful of how you use it. ‘Power belongs to God’, so ensure that the influence you have is subjected to Him first, and use it as He sees fit. Power is not to be used for selfish gain or vain motives, but all power belongs to God. Therefore if you have been entrusted with some, ensure you honour God with how you use it. For God can give power and He can take it away. It belongs to Him, not you, you haven’t earned it, you don’t deserve it, and you may increase or decrease in it as you go through life for it belongs to God, therefore be a careful guardian of the influence you have. whilst you have it.

In this psalm there are some strong challenges to how you live life, how you use and respond to events, blessings, power and authority. Is all of it submitted to God? Do you, like David, trust in God alone?

Is God in your everyday every day?

 Psalm 61:1–8 (ESV):  

1  Hear my cry, O God, 

listen to my prayer; 

2  from the end of the earth I call to you 

when my heart is faint. 

Lead me to the rock 

that is higher than I, 

3  for you have been my refuge, 

a strong tower against the enemy. 

4  Let me dwell in your tent forever! 

Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah 

5  For you, O God, have heard my vows; 

you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name. 

6  Prolong the life of the king; 

may his years endure to all generations! 

7  May he be enthroned forever before God; 

appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over him! 

8  So will I ever sing praises to your name, 

as I perform my vows day after day. 

This psalm sounds like the writer, David, is worn out. A petition to be heard by the almighty God, and to hear a response, from a tired and worn out mind. I wonder if this is why it is initially written in quite short lines. It reminds me of someone running, short of breath, exhaling quick sentences as they jog along. 

In the midst of rushing around, and in the busy-ness of life, you can still talk to God. It may be short, snippets of words and sentences, but God is still there to hear them and to demonstrate care to you. David knew that. So, he prayed in every and any situation. He prayed when life was good and bountiful, when it was terrifying, when he was sick, resting, and rushing. Your conversations with God may change as life changes, but do you still make a point of including God as things adapt and change? Do you invite God into your everyday, every day?

Even in the rushing and the worry, God is a ‘refuge’ and ‘strong tower’, but you won’t get to experience that if you don’t look out for Him and speak to Him. David was secure in his relationship with God because he worked at it. He spent time with God, he waited for Him and he intentionally sought Him out and spoke with Him even when he could have been distracted and too busy. David intentionally made God part of his everyday every day. He spoke to God on the run, in the cave as well as whilst resting on his bed and amongst other believers. David spoke to God whenever he could because he valued the relationship, and he knew God cares about, and can have impact on every area of his life. 

David not only spoke with God, but kept his word before God as he understood the importance of taking his responsibility in the relationship. David says he will, ‘perform my vows day after day’. He recognised the importance that he take ownership for the relationship he had with God as he knew it was a two way thing. God is not just there whenever David wants Him to be, but David also has to work at keeping the relationship strong, and that includes keeping his promises. So whatever David promised God he would do, he did, every day. David did his best to please God and to obey Him, he understood that his response to God was as important as God’s response to him. David’s everyday life reflected the faith he had because he not only talked to, and about God, but his behaviour and decisions reflected the faith he had. He kept his promises to God and vowed to do better. He included God in every part of his everyday life. Do you? Do you make and keep your promises? 

Finally, in this psalm we see David’s humility before the throne of God. Even though David knows what it is like to be a king, he is not The King, and so he subjects his authority, influence, power and responsibility to God. He asks God to give him a long life, and he also requests that God allows His, ‘steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over him’. David knows he can do well if he has the love and faithfulness of God tangibly in his life. He understood that the best king is not one who wields his power and authority, but one who subjects it into the hands of God. David was a great king because he acknowledged that all he had influence over was in the hands of God. So, whatever God gives you to do in life, do it well, to the honour and glory of God. You may not be a king, but wherever you have influence and opportunity, ask for God to help you in His steadfast love and faithfulness, for then you will do well. God made people to be kings, and He made people to be servants and every other role in-between. As you diligently perform the, ‘good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do’ (Ephesians 2:10) ensure that you are performing these duties in a way that demonstrates worship and honour to God. Include him in your everyday life, every day, then you will know God as your refuge and strong tower too.

King David is a great example for all of us. He had the right perspective of his role and responsibility. He lived subject to God and in close relationship with Him everyday. He made sure he spent time with God, spoke with Him, learnt about Him, kept his vows, and lived under His authority. David lived his everyday life with God every day, do you do the same?

The Lord is your banner

 Psalm 60:1–12 (ESV):  

1  O God, you have rejected us, broken our defences; 

you have been angry; oh, restore us. 

2  You have made the land to quake; you have torn it open; 

repair its breaches, for it totters. 

3  You have made your people see hard things; 

you have given us wine to drink that made us stagger. 

4  You have set up a banner for those who fear you, 

that they may flee to it from the bow. Selah 

5  That your beloved ones may be delivered, 

give salvation by your right hand and answer us! 

6  God has spoken in his holiness: 

“With exultation I will divide up Shechem 

and portion out the Vale of Succoth. 

7  Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine; 

Ephraim is my helmet; 

Judah is my sceptre. 

8  Moab is my washbasin; 

upon Edom I cast my shoe; 

over Philistia I shout in triumph.” 

9  Who will bring me to the fortified city? 

Who will lead me to Edom? 

10  Have you not rejected us, O God? 

You do not go forth, O God, with our armies. 

11  Oh, grant us help against the foe, 

for vain is the salvation of man! 

12  With God we shall do valiantly; 

it is he who will tread down our foes. 

Often when we read of David in battle, we hear of the victory that comes. Yet it was not always so, as we can surmise from this psalm. Here David tells us how their defences were broken, the people have seen ‘hard things’ and are staggering to safety (v4). They need delivering as they are being beaten and having to retreat. It feels as if, ‘you do not go forth with us, O God’. So instead of running in triumph, celebrating victory, the Israelite army is having to run, in fear, to the ‘banner’ (v4) - A symbol of retreat. The banner was at the rear of the army, a visual representation of who you belonged to. Especially important in war as you could easily get disorientated. It was important to be able to see where you needed to go to re-join your team if you got lost, injured, or needed rest. For Israel, their banner also reminded them that God was with them (Exodus 17:15, 'The Lord is my banner'). The banner therefore represented for David and his army that God is the Commander of the battle, their protector, guide, refuge and safety, a fortress they can run to. A place of retreat where they can be reminded that God is present and so they can be comforted, restored and re-engaged. In this battle, they needed that. They were fighting and felt like they were losing, so they had to run for safety and restoration. 

Sometimes, in life, you need to retreat to the ‘banner’ too. You need to reming yourself that the Lord is your banner, just as He was Israel's. God is your refuge, retreat, safety, fortress and restoration. In life, you will get tired, hurt, and feel lost. God is waiting for you to run to Him. He can remind you that He is the commander, refuge, safety, protractor, guide and healer. He will refresh you and re-equip you for the battles you face, are you running to Him? God is waiting for you. 

Battles are never won by an individual, so you cannot do it alone. You do not need to, and should not be trying to. If you are a member of His army, and you are leading your life following Him then you are on His team, and He is your banner. You do not have the vision, strength or the level of strategic planning required to even navigate the battles that are coming but God does. He has the might, understanding and plan to get you through and to bring about His promises. Are you running to Him to hear what He has to say so that He can guide you to where you need to go?

When you seem to be losing, battling, struggling, feeling like you need to refresh, rest or retreat, what do you do? You should be running to God, your banner. You need to rest and re-evaluate sometimes. Make sure that when you do you’re not sitting by yourself doing it, trying to fix things and navigate battles alone, but that you are under God’s banner. Going it alone causes anxiety, stress, worthlessness and worry. Sitting with God however creates vision, peace, strength, restoration, healing, power and brings, ‘great salvation’.

As David sat and reflected under the banner as he wrote this psalm, he felt as if God had rejected and abandoned him and the Israelite army. He was wondering who was leading this battle? If God isn’t in it, should they be? Yet he and the army are fighting for their lives, their families freedom and the nation of Israel, surely that's a good thing? They are under pressure, frantically caught in the fight that they are losing. Yet they are God’s people, His army, trying to do God’s will. How can this be the situation? How can they be defeated? David came to God in his disappointment and confusion when it seemed like they were losing the battle. It seemed that David was failing in the mission even though he was trying to honour God and do His will. Sometimes that happens. Sometimes we feel that the battles and missions we are on are failing even though we know God has us on this path. I know that I have struggled with knowing God has sent me to do things and then it seems like life has become a battle. As a family we have experienced emotional turmoil and physical hardship, we have suffered, dangers have come and unexpected battles have needed to be faced. So where is God when these things happen? Does it mean that we have messed up and got the call of God wrong? Has God disappeared or withdrawn? No! It means that we need to continually run to God, our banner to sustain us in every way. When life looks bleak, disappointing and like a losing battle shift your gaze and look for the banner then run to it! For God is there and He is ready and waiting for you. In the battle, God is present - look for Him. He can envision and equip, restore and heal you if you go to Him.

Do you know the game, capture the flag? Each team tries to take the other's banner down, then they have won. When you are on God's team and He is your banner, then guess what?! You are never going to lose! His banner has been flying for eternity and will continue to stand in victory, so when the battle comes ensure that you run to Him for He will not let you down. You are on the winning team, so run to His banner for strength, refreshment and re-envisioning, with God as your banner what have you got to fear or lose? 

David knew he was on God's team, yet things got really desperate and difficult for him, so he ran to God as his banner and was upfront and honest with Him. He was wondering where God was, for wherever he looked, he didn’t see Him. He saw hard things, staggering, quaking land, torn kingdom and broken defences (v1-3), a far cry from victory. So, David says;

“You do not go forth, O God, with our armies. 

11  Oh, grant us help against the foe, 

for vain is the salvation of man! 

12  With God we shall do valiantly; 

it is he who will tread down our foes.” (V10-12)

David tells God his experience, and wonders, God, where are you? For David cannot see God at work right now, only the enemies work, and it seems like the other side is winning. Yet, he still knows that if God turns up, ‘we shall do valiantly’ and there will be ‘salvation’. David's trust in God was steadfast. He knew that following God wasn't easy, that living a life of faith is hard and that sometimes God seems distant or even absent, but that doesn't mean He is. It just means that he lost sight of God and so needed to search for the banner. For the banner still stands and will stand. So when you know you are doing the things God wants you to, don’t be surprised if life gets hard and becomes a battle. It is an opportunity to run to God, seek and see His salvation and remind yourself whose banner you are fighting under.

David’s experience was so shattering because not only was he being personally attacked and having to wearily keep on going for survival, but good people, fellow warriors and friends were dying. That is what happens in war. There is loss, distress, fear, confusion, pain, suffering and sometimes, defeat. That is why there is a banner available for you to run to. It is not giving up or turning back, but running to God for rest, refuge and restoration. Run to God and implore Him to show up and do the work, for great is His salvation. Remind yourself that you are on God's team, and that He fights so that His, ‘beloved ones may be delivered'. He will sustain and help you. Even if you feel defeated, it doesn’t mean that you have lost. David was still king even when he was fighting a losing battle. Nothing can change the promises of God so keep your eyes on Him as your banner.

Whose strength are you living in?

 Psalm 59:1–17 (ESV):  

1  Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; 

protect me from those who rise up against me; 

2  deliver me from those who work evil, 

and save me from bloodthirsty men. 

3  For behold, they lie in wait for my life; 

fierce men stir up strife against me. 

For no transgression or sin of mine, O Lord, 

4  for no fault of mine, they run and make ready. 

Awake, come to meet me, and see! 

5  You, Lord God of hosts, are God of Israel. 

Rouse yourself to punish all the nations; 

spare none of those who treacherously plot evil. Selah 

6  Each evening they come back, 

howling like dogs 

and prowling about the city. 

7  There they are, bellowing with their mouths 

with swords in their lips— 

for “Who,” they think, “will hear us?” 

8  But you, O Lord, laugh at them; 

you hold all the nations in derision. 

9  O my Strength, I will watch for you, 

for you, O God, are my fortress. 

10  My God in his steadfast love will meet me; 

God will let me look in triumph on my enemies. 

11  Kill them not, lest my people forget; 

make them totter by your power and bring them down, 

O Lord, our shield! 

12  For the sin of their mouths, the words of their lips, 

let them be trapped in their pride. 

For the cursing and lies that they utter, 

13  consume them in wrath; 

consume them till they are no more, 

that they may know that God rules over Jacob 

to the ends of the earth. Selah 

14  Each evening they come back, 

howling like dogs 

and prowling about the city. 

15  They wander about for food 

and growl if they do not get their fill. 

16  But I will sing of your strength; 

I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. 

For you have been to me a fortress 

and a refuge in the day of my distress. 

17  O my Strength, I will sing praises to you, 

for you, O God, are my fortress, 

the God who shows me steadfast love. 

David acknowledges in this psalm that he has no power to protect himself or his family as he is surrounded by the enemy. They are like a pack of howling dogs surrounding him. Wherever he is, there they are lying in wait for him evening after evening. What chance does a lone man have against a pack of ’bellowing’ beasts that prowl around? How terrifying it must be to feel in such a position, to be surrounded by those desiring your demise with no chance of escape. To hear those howls and packs in the night, not knowing how near or far away they are, but hearing the bloodthirsty cries threatening death. What would you do; give up, try to hide, fight back, run away?

For David, this is happening night after night, so he cannot hide. The howling threats are heard constantly, yet why have these threats not been carried out? David has been in this situation for some time so he has had a chance to observe what is happening. He hasn’t reacted in a panic-stricken way, he hasn't run away, hidden or fought back, but has noticed what is happening and talks to God about it. He has looked on for long enough to realise that these people’s bark is worse than their bite. They are making a lot of threatening noise ‘bellowing’ about David’s demise in order to terrify, but they are not getting close enough to actually harm him. Therefore David does not take their bellows or howling seriously. In fact, he sees the funny side - what harm are the hungry dogs even if they growl and howl when they can’t get to him?! What problems are they really causing? They are just winding themselves up, getting hungrier, more frustrated and making a noise! David may be able to hear them and see their threatening behaviour, but he knows that he is safe. Why? 

Through this situation, no matter how natural it is to feel unsafe in the city at night with howling noises around him, David has seen that night after night he has been protected. He has encountered threats but come to no harm. He has been able to return home to sleep in safety, not because he has bodyguards but because God is his ‘fortress’. David has seen how God has been protecting him. Therefore he does not need to take the words, shouts or threats seriously because God is his strength and fortress. David is so confident, assured and safe that he knows that God is laughing at these enemies! (v8). 

When you feel attacked and surrounded by people wanting to bring you down, what is your response? Do you become terrified by their howling and their threatening behaviour? Or do you take time to consider, what power do they really have? People may say horrible things, restrict your privacy or  watch your movements, but what can they actually do to you? They may come against you and try to make life difficult for you, but they cannot ultimately change your life unless you let them. For, if you are one of God’s people, He is your strength and fortress, and He laughs at them, so you can too!

So, consider how you will handle the next situation where you feel got at, let down, surrounded and accused. Where is your hope and strength going to come from? Are you going to battle alone, hide in fear, run away or look to God as David did, and depend on Him to deliver you from the noisy dogs?

David, even though he was a warrior, a slayer of giants and a leader of an army, he had no power to fight these enemies.This is why David calls out to God, ‘O my Strength’. David acknowledges that all the strength, power and victories he has been through have come from God. David has no power or might in himself, it is God who has been the source of his strength. God defeated Goliath, the Philistines and countless other raiders and enemies, God just allowed David to be a part of it, and David allowed God to use him. So, in this current situation where David is surrounded and harassed, he knows God will once again be his strength and fortress. For he realises that the things he had previously overcome were because of God being his strength, and God hasn’t changed, just the situation has. God’s power never fails, never sleeps and never runs out. Your strength and power will though. 

So, what do you do when life gets difficult? Do you try to power through? Or do you involve God who is able to be your strength just as He was David’s? You don’t need to battle alone. The howling dogs are scary when you’re out at night by yourself. So don't try to deal with them by yourself, relying in your own strength. Instead of feeling harassed, scared and limited you can rest in the security of knowing God’s refuge and strength. Why rely on your own capabilities when you can have a strength that is so much more dependable and steadfast? A strength that has; defeated nations, created and sustained the world and brought salvation to all mankind. Surely this kind of strength can help in whatever situation you face!

What do you do when you get fed up?

 Psalm 58:1–11 (ESV):  

1  Do you indeed decree what is right, you gods? 

Do you judge the children of man uprightly? 

2  No, in your hearts you devise wrongs; 

your hands deal out violence on earth. 

3  The wicked are estranged from the womb; 

they go astray from birth, speaking lies. 

4  They have venom like the venom of a serpent, 

like the deaf adder that stops its ear, 

5  so that it does not hear the voice of charmers 

or of the cunning enchanter. 

6  O God, break the teeth in their mouths; 

tear out the fangs of the young lions, O Lord! 

7  Let them vanish like water that runs away; 

when he aims his arrows, let them be blunted. 

8  Let them be like the snail that dissolves into slime, 

like the stillborn child who never sees the sun. 

9  Sooner than your pots can feel the heat of thorns, 

whether green or ablaze, may he sweep them away! 

10  The righteous will rejoice when he sees the vengeance; 

he will bathe his feet in the blood of the wicked. 

11  Mankind will say, “Surely there is a reward for the righteous; 

surely there is a God who judges on earth.” 

Why are some people intent on evil and others intent on good? Where does right and wrong come from? Is there ultimate justice for the goodness and the badness in the world? These are a few of the question this psalm of David seems to be dealing with. At some point in our lives, we too consider the same things. Many people wonder why there is evil and suffering in the world, where does it come from? Why do some people have influence when their desires are harmful to others? It is good to consider these things, we can learn about life, ourselves and our own moral standards as we consider the big questions of life on Earth.

David was considering such things as he saw people grow from one form of injustice to another becoming venomous, cunning, deceitful and destructive. We can see from this writing that David is pretty fed up with seeing these people going around thinking they are ‘gods’, hurting the innocent and vulnerable. He got so incensed by the evil actions of 'the wicked' that he desires all these people to be violently punished as they seemed to go from one form of evil to another. Even though it seems like the rich and powerful, the corrupt and lying are those that have influence and power, one day God will, ‘break the teeth in their mouths’ - Their words will be futile, their attempts to cause harm will fail and they will ‘be like the snail that dissolves into slime’. These are David’s prayers for justice. He has seen enough of life, of good and evil to observe that the wicked seem to do well for themselves, and it has driven him to passionately pray for their destruction and obliteration. 

Are you fed up with some of the things you have observed in your community, country, family or government? If so, what are you doing about it? If you are moaning to other people, getting increasingly annoyed and bothered by the descent of the world into chaos and wickedness then how does that help? Turn your frustrations into prayers. 

Pray for God to break the evil in this world. He can; break teeth, tear out fangs, make things disappear, blunt, dissolve and put to death. You can know that when you see something that is unrighteous and evil, God doesn’t like it either. So, are you partnering with Him to see an end to it and trusting that one day you will be rejoicing when vengeance comes?! There is power in prayer. You can seek the end of the evil practices of this world plus you can vent your emotions and ask God for solutions. God will listen and those of this world can learn that For, ‘Surely there is a reward for the righteous; surely there is a God who judges on earth’.

Is your love steadfast?

Psalm 57:1–11 (ESV):  

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 fulfils 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! 

This passionate psalm overflows with worship and appreciation of who God is even though David is pursued and in hiding. David focuses on how great God is, ‘above the heavens’ and ‘over all the earth’ as he realises that the present situation is no reflection of the character, power or kindness of God. God remains glorious, worthy and steadfast so David chooses to dwell on these facts rather than the fear and pain that he feels. David sets his mind to consider God because He is greater than the heavens and the Earth, and so is definitely greater and more trustworthy than the dangerous position he is in and his own emotions. 

Even when you feel like you’re ‘in the midst of lions’, you can praise God. Even in darkness and despair, God is there and is still a merciful refuge. David knew this - he chose to see beyond the cave and trouble that he was in to the refuge and glory of God. He set his mind to focus on the One who was keeping him safe and whose, ‘steadfast love is great to the heavens….faithfulness to the clouds’. 

David never dwells on the negativity. He has some awful experiences, as well as some great ones and his writings display the emotions he feels. He doesn’t deny that he feels; pain, fear, disappointment, joy, love, hurt or grief yet David does not let these emotions direct him or influence him other than by being felt. David accepts and acknowledges his reactions to whatever is happening and brings them to God. Then he considers God. You see, the situation and your emotions should not be the overriding factors in your life. God should be. Therefore David expresses how he feels and then moves onto what is more reliable and true - He reminds himself of God’s steadfast love and that He is; good, loving, powerful, steadfast, strong, purposeful, caring and full of mercy. 

The truth of God never changes. David is certain that he can trust in Him even in the terrible trials of life. In this psalm, David is enduring a life-threatening situation, but you wouldn’t guess it from the way it is written would you? David is full of praise for the ‘God most High’ saying, ‘I will give thanks to you’, ‘For your steadfast love is great to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds’. David has put both the trial and God in their rightful places - God being far higher and more important than the problems he is facing. The focus for David is to continue to honour and worship God. He does not deny the pain and suffering that he is going through, but he does submit it to his knowledge of who God is.

So, how do you respond when you're in trouble, afraid or persecuted?

What do you focus on when life is difficult? 

What do you think about God when you are in pain and suffering? 

Do you allow the truth of God to inspire you and overwhelm you rather than your own fears and emotions?

Do you remember to extol and worship God? 

Even when life gets tough David does not stop worshipping or praying. In fact he makes sure that he is still doing these things. David does not turn his back on God or walk away, he goes towards God, talks to Him and honours Him even in the difficult times. David knows that God’s power, influence, greatness and love are worth being grateful for no matter what else is going on. God is worthy of praise whether today and tomorrow are good days or not. God is still steadfast in His love for you whether you experience it or not. God is still majestic, powerful and in control even when you are not. God never changes even when situations do. Therefore you can depend upon Him and praise Him in the cave as well as at the party. God is always above all things and He will always have His way, and His love will always be steadfast. Is yours?

"This I know, that God is for me."

 Psalm 56:1–13 (ESV):  

1  Be gracious to me, O God, for man tramples on me; 

all day long an attacker oppresses me; 

2  my enemies trample on me all day long, 

for many attack me proudly. 

3  When I am afraid, 

I put my trust in you. 

4  In God, whose word I praise, 

in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. 

What can flesh do to me? 

5  All day long they injure my cause; 

all their thoughts are against me for evil. 

6  They stir up strife, they lurk; 

they watch my steps, 

as they have waited for my life. 

7  For their crime will they escape? 

In wrath cast down the peoples, O God! 

8  You have kept count of my tossings; 

put my tears in your bottle. 

Are they not in your book? 

9  Then my enemies will turn back 

in the day when I call. 

This I 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; I shall not be afraid. 

What can man do to me? 

12  I must perform my vows to you, O God; 

I will render thank offerings to you. 

13  For you have delivered my soul from death, 

yes, my feet from falling, 

that I may walk before God 

in the light of life. 

Even though David is undergoing strife, he still has hope and confidence. He is oppressed and attacked, yet this is not the focus of this psalm, why is that?

This I know, that God is for me.

Wow! This is what David says even when life is troubled and terrifying, when things are not going his way and he doesn’t like it, David still is assured that God supports him! What is your response when you are battling and afraid? When things are not going your way? Do you, as David did, ‘put my trust’ in God because you are assured of His love and support? Or do you have one of the common responses of; fight, flight or freeze? We are taught, aren’t we, that these are the three responses of the primitive brain to danger; fight, flight or freeze. Yet David seems to have come up with a fourth! An alternative reaction to the dilemmas that you face - know that God is for you. In the midst of trouble David assures himself of this. He doesn’t let his primitive brain get in control, instead he focuses on what he knows is real and true - God is for him. If you are living your life following God, then you too can repeat David’s words and say, ’This I know, that God is for me.’ It may not look like it, or feel like it but this is the truth. You may feel frightened, oppressed, forgotten, hurt, yet the truth still is that God is for you. It doesn't change just because life gets hard or scary.

‘When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.’ 

Do you do that? In a time of difficulty and trouble where do you turn? Where do you get your confidence and solutions from when there is a dilemma? There’s only one response that can give you the best outcome, and that is turning to God and relying on Him to sort out the issue. Anything else may release endorphins or stress, make you feel better for a moment, but nothing else can produce a powerful, long-term solution. Only God can be depended upon to bring out the best of a bad situation, do you stick with Him when life gets tough?

David has discovered through his life that God has always been constant. God has provided for and sustained him, and so he is sure that God will now too. Just because life gets difficult, doesn’t mean that God has disappeared or doesn’t care any more or that his favour has run out. Sometimes we can mistakenly believe this of God because we know what we are like as humans! Yet God is constant. He has always provided for and sustained you, so you can be assured of His continued favour, strength, love and care even in the times of attack and oppression. Therefore, learn to, ‘when I am afraid, I trust in you’ and remind yourself, ‘that God is for me’. These are the keys to knowing peace in turmoil, assurance in persecution and love through trials. David discovered it, and he shares his secret with you today. When you set your mind to trust in God, He has a way through every situation, will you trust in Him?

"This I know, that God is for me."

Where do you go with your internal battles?

 Psalm 55:1–23 (ESV):  

1  Give ear to my prayer, O God, 

and hide not yourself from my plea for mercy! 

2  Attend to me, and answer me; 

I am restless in my complaint and I moan, 

3  because of the noise of the enemy, 

because of the oppression of the wicked. 

For they drop trouble upon me, 

and in anger they bear a grudge against me. 

4  My heart is in anguish within me; 

the terrors of death have fallen upon me. 

5  Fear and trembling come upon me, 

and horror overwhelms me. 

6  And I say, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! 

I would fly away and be at rest; 

7  yes, I would wander far away; 

I would lodge in the wilderness; Selah 

8  I would hurry to find a shelter 

from the raging wind and tempest.” 

9  Destroy, O Lord, divide their tongues; 

for I see violence and strife in the city. 

10  Day and night they go around it 

on its walls, 

and iniquity and trouble are within it; 

11  ruin is in its midst; 

oppression and fraud 

do not depart from its marketplace. 

12  For it is not an enemy who taunts me— 

then I could bear it; 

it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me— 

then I could hide from him. 

13  But it is you, a man, my equal, 

my companion, my familiar friend. 

14  We used to take sweet counsel together; 

within God’s house we walked in the throng. 

15  Let death steal over them; 

let them go down to Sheol alive; 

for evil is in their dwelling place and in their heart. 

16  But I call to God, 

and the Lord will save me. 

17  Evening and morning and at noon 

I utter my complaint and moan, 

and he hears my voice. 

18  He redeems my soul in safety 

from the battle that I wage, 

for many are arrayed against me. 

19  God will give ear and humble them, 

he who is enthroned from of old, Selah 

because they do not change 

and do not fear God. 

20  My companion stretched out his hand against his friends; 

he violated his covenant. 

21  His speech was smooth as butter, 

yet war was in his heart; 

his words were softer than oil, 

yet they were drawn swords. 

22  Cast your burden on the Lord, 

and he will sustain you; 

he will never permit 

the righteous to be moved. 

23  But you, O God, will cast them down 

into the pit of destruction; 

men of blood and treachery 

shall not live out half their days. 

But I will trust in you. 

David has not only experienced physical battles, but also the inner turmoil of the soul. This psalm explains a situation where he was emotionally and mentally strained by the betrayal of, ‘my equal, my companion, my familiar friend’. David was battling with the pain and despair of a broken relationship and the disappointment, chaos, life change and mental strife that this caused. Have you ever experienced such heartache and mental anguish? 

Most of us have. The thing is, this battle that we face is not usually obvious because it’s predominantly internal. Our emotions and mind replay events, conversations and memories, and these can lead to; confusion, anger and sadness all raging inside. It is a furious internal war, yet not many others would be aware of it. In a physical war it is obvious - you see the damage and physical discomfort, but an internal battle is often hidden even though there is also extensive damage and pain. The internal battles that we face are tougher and more wearing than any external ones and we cannot escape them. 

David says, ‘I am restless in my complaint and I moan, 3  because of the noise of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked.’ He hears the sound of the disappointment, the grief and pain, the ‘noise of the enemy’ clanging around inside him as the memories and recent events replay. The noise of the internal processing of the betrayal and the personal turmoil that has been caused is louder than any trumpet blast or roar of a crowd. David doesn’t deny it or downplay it, instead he admits the difficulty he is having trying to get his head round what has happened. You don’t have to try to explain, minimise or hide from the internal anguish you suffer either. The internal battles are difficult as they are often unknown to others and rage constantly, day and night, with no rest. David was experiencing this as he wrote Psalm 55. He accepts that he is; restless, oppressed, in trouble, feeling terrified and in anguish. If you feel that way today, or have ever felt like that, know that it is ok. It is alright to feel disappointed, hurt, afraid at times, restless and concerned, and it is ok to admit it too. Even as a person of God, even as a friend, parent, manager or colleague, it is ok. It is usual for people to suffer with their thoughts, you are not alone. David was troubled with a hurt heart and mental anguish and he was a loved and respected king, father, husband and a faithful man of God. Yet here we are thousands of years later reading about and relating to his internal pain. He was not ashamed to admit how frustrated, disappointed and upset he was about things. He was open and honest about it. He told God exactly what was going on for him, how he felt, how troubled he was, and that he expected God to do something about it! 

You see, although David knew he was suffering, he did not choose to dwell in the despair and disappointment. He did not want to stay feeling like this, and he knew where his help and comfort would come from. He had a strong, personal relationship with Almighty God, so he told God about what was going on in his life. He let God know how he felt, even the worst bits such as wishing his enemy dead and wanting to permanently escape (v7 and 15). David was not ashamed to be really honest about his emotions, even admitting when he was in deep despair and inner turmoil. Are you that honest? With yourself and with God?

I cannot imagine that this psalm was spoken clearly and calmly, can you? I imagine it to have been a passionate outpouring of tears, anger and sobs, releasing some of the hurt and disappointment as the words spilled out. David was overwhelmed, hurt and disappointed as he goes to the God - the One he can trust with it all, and the One that can help, strengthen and comfort. David admits he wants to escape this torment, yet he knows that even going to a different place will not change the internal discomfort. For it is his heart that ‘is in anguish’ and no matter where he goes he cannot escape his own heart or memories, so he knows he has to deal with it. Therefore, David’s response is to ‘call to God’. No-one else can help him, restore his soul, bind up his broken heart or breakthrough this trouble. So he goes to the One he knows can influence any and every heart and situation for, ‘the Lord will save me’. David knows that although he feels overcome and like he wants to get away from it all, God, ‘redeems my soul in safety from the battle that I wage’. Both the physical and internal battles God can help with. He is the one who can inspire, strengthen and give your soul refuge (v1). He is the one that can bring you; relief, provision, strength and redemption. Are you allowing God to it? 

Do you go to God with your struggles? Are you really real about how you are doing when you speak to Him?

When you feel overwhelmed and overcome by circumstances and experience internal strife, you can, ‘cast your burden on the Lord and he will sustain you’. Yet God can only help you as much as you let Him. David wanted God’s help in every area of his life, even the messy bits. Are you allowing God to see and have influence in every area of your life? Will you allow Him to see and heal the internal anguish? God will hear and help you if you go to Him, then like David you too will be able to say, ‘in you my soul takes refuge’.

Is your faith as secure as David’s?

 Psalm 54:1–7 (ESV):  

1  O God, save me by your name, 

and vindicate me by your might. 

2  O God, hear my prayer; 

give ear to the words of my mouth. 

3  For strangers have risen against me; 

ruthless men seek my life; 

they do not set God before themselves. Selah 

4  Behold, God is my helper; 

the Lord is the upholder of my life. 

5  He will return the evil to my enemies; 

in your faithfulness put an end to them. 

6  With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you; 

I will give thanks to your name, O Lord, for it is good. 

7  For he has delivered me from every trouble, 

and my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies. 

Prayers do not have to be long, even when you are desperate. In this psalm we see David calling out to God in distress. He needed his life saving, he was confused and on the run. David had been anointed king years ago, he had been the soother of Saul’s soul through music and was a loyal and successful soldier in the king’s army, and now he is running for his life! King Saul who had once delighted in David had turned vehemently against him and now sought to kill him. So, David had to escape. David knew the promise of God on his life, yet right now, he had to run away to survive. Even though David did not understand what was happening and certainly did not like it, he still honoured and obeyed God. He did not take the change in circumstance as a withdrawal of God’s purposes, plans or favour. He still trusted and believed in God and set his heart and mind on following Him rather than pursuing his own ease and comfort. That is tough isn’t it?! When it seems like the opposite to the promises of God are happening, you can feel abandoned and rejected by Him. You can feel hurt, confused, angry, disappointed and in despair. What is your response when things like this happen? Do you run away from God, get involved in unhelpful habits, or do you continue to trust and believe in Him and proceed to honour and obey Him like David did?

David was uncomfortable and scared as he wrote this psalm, he implored God to intervene and ‘save me’. He saw the reality of what was happening and he called upon God as, ‘the upholder of my life’. David trusted God to sustain and provide for him, not just material things but every breath. Even when he was chased and persecuted he recognised that God is the only one who was in control of his life - how long it lasts and how it ends. David’s security was in God. He knew that God's promises still stood, and that they would be fulfilled because a) God had promised and b) his life was not yet over so there was still time! David was assured through the relationship that he had developed with God  that God supports those who honour and obey Him. He knew that God is faithful, powerful, helpful and has a plan beyond any human one. He accepted that God will fulfil His will even when it seems ridiculous or impossible. 

Do you have confidence in God like that?

The problem with this kind of admirable, secure faith that David has is that it grows through adversity. David knew God had saved him from; bears, lions, giants, and mighty warriors. Therefore David was certain that God would not allow anything to thwart the promises God had made to him. David had learnt that God was trustworthy and true and worth betting his life on. If David stayed close to God, he knew that God would continue to save him, ‘from every trouble’ and allow him to look ‘in triumph on my enemies’. David knew this because of the trials he had already faced with God so trust had been built. When you face troubles do you know that God is right there with you in it? Have you successfully followed God through the trials so that your faith is built and becomes secure? Security in God and the confidence that David had come because you have previously overcome through hard times honouring God and following Him throughout. Keeping your eyes open for what God can and will do and holding firmly onto His promises. So, take some time to consider, what troubles has God got you through? Where are your victories? 

You too can trust in God today as the ‘upholder of my life’. Recall the promises He has spoken over you and keep following Him, then you too will know God’s power, deliverance and remarkable triumphs. 

Careless talk costs lives

 Psalm 52:1–9 (ESV):  

1  Why do you boast of evil, O mighty man? 

The steadfast love of God endures all the day. 

2  Your tongue plots destruction, 

like a sharp razor, you worker of deceit. 

3  You love evil more than good, 

and lying more than speaking what is right. Selah 

4  You love all words that devour, 

O deceitful tongue. 

5  But God will break you down forever; 

he will snatch and tear you from your tent; 

he will uproot you from the land of the living. Selah 

6  The righteous shall see and fear, 

and shall laugh at him, saying, 

7  “See the man who would not make 

God his refuge, 

but trusted in the abundance of his riches 

and sought refuge in his own destruction!” 

8  But I am like a green olive tree 

in the house of God. 

I trust in the steadfast love of God 

forever and ever. 

9  I will thank you forever, 

because you have done it. 

I will wait for your name, for it is good, 

in the presence of the godly. 

Do you feel sorry for the man that is spoken of as a devouring tongue? 

It is not a pleasant metaphor - to be compared to a tongue, particularly one which is deceitful, lying and destructive. Throughout scripture we are warned about the power and difficulty of taming the tongue. You can get caught up with ideas and words and end up saying things you do not mean, creating trouble you never intended when you do not take words seriously, or are negligent in controlling what you say. Words have power (see Proverbs 18:21). I am sure that you have been both inspired and hurt by others’ words. I am also sure that you also have inspired and hurt others in the way you have spoken. 

This psalm serves as a great reminder of the power of words and that you and I can get carried away by them. They can form your life and that of others. Words have power to build or destroy, they can effect a reputation and impact relationships. Words have power, therefore be careful how you use them. 

Doeg, the person referred to as the ‘tongue’ was not wise in how he handled the information and words that he had. Maybe he did not consider the full ramification of the words he spoke as he told Saul about David’s whereabouts and the help David and his men had received. Through sharing this information Doeg caused the deaths of many - he murdered the priest Ahimelech then slaughtered his family, 85 priests and the entire city where they lived. The situation snowballed because Doeg was not considered in what he said or to whom he said it. As a result of sharing information with Saul Doeg became a mass murderer, and now has a reputation of being a deceitful, lying, destructive tongue. 

We do not know what the man was like before. He may have been a faithful, valiant warrior, a strong father and a loving friend, but all we know is of who he became because of what he communicated in this situation. We see a the murderous, deceitful, selfish man. There is nothing good that we see in Doeg's reputation due to what he said and then what he did. From his report to Saul his life descended into further destruction. I wonder if he considered the ramifications of sharing the news of David' whereabouts. 

Do not let your life become a result of the effects of the unwise things you say. It is easy to get excited when speaking and get carried away by what you say until you say too much or something hurtful. Words can cause destruction and chaos, but can equally bring comfort and joy.  It is your responsibility how you use them and with what intent, as once spoken the words cannot be erased from those who hear them. You can bring about a clever little quip, a little exaggeration, hoping for a laugh or to impress, but where does that end up? How about promising with good intention, but not delivering? Even trying to relate to someone can end up with over sharing information and can be damaging. Maybe for Doeg it started because he wanted to impress Saul or get noticed amongst the many soldiers, advisers and leaders that surrounded the king, and so with no other thought than ambition told him this news. Yet much pain, suffering and death ensued from Doeg’s report. 

During the Second World War there was a campaign that warned, ‘careless talk costs lives’, we can see from this account of Doeg how true that is. Words are powerful, they can build up or destroy, they can breathe life into situations or death, so be mindful how you use them. Be considered in how you speak and what you say. Do not be carefree and careless; your reputation and the wellbeing of others depends upon the words of your mouth. 

David, on the other hand, considers the way he communicates. In this psalm he is not ranting to his friends, or anyone else, but he is bringing his thoughts to God. He knows the power of waiting on God and depending on Him to make right the situation. He sees the sin and deceit, but he does not desire to have an argument or battle with Doeg. He is assured that God has seen what has occurred and is equally assured that, in time, God will deal with it. David is content to wait for the actions of God rather than pursue his own vengeance. David reminds himself that the sinful who purposefully act against God and speak against His people are not going to reign in life for long. One day, and not too far off, their plans will cease to succeed as God has a plan for His glory to be displayed. Those, like Doeg, who,‘would not make God his refuge’ and who ‘sought refuge in destruction’ will end up being broken, uprooted, and a source of laughter rather than fear. One day this power, respect and authority will be destroyed as they have no protection other than the destruction they have caused. Whereas those who continue to honour, obey and love God can ‘trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever’. God’s love, character, goodness and longevity will never run out, it is available all day, every day, so rest and remain secure in that knowledge. In time, David was vindicated, he became king and ruled the nation of Israel well. This situation with Doeg just became a small part of the story of his life before that. I imagine that when David looked back at his life this instance was not one that featured largely in his memory. The same is true for you. The pain of today will not last for long. When people speak against you, their power and influence may last for a time but it cannot effect your identity or the promises of God in your life. Instead of holding concern for those things, bring them to God and allow Him to deal with it, and carry on living the life God has given you. One day, those who speak destruction over you will themselves be destroyed. Instead, you need to, 'trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever'.