GOD IS OUR REFUGE

Passage: Psalms 57:1-11

Key verse: 1

NIV

Psalm 57[a](A)
For the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” Of David. A miktam.[b] When he had fled from Saul into the cave.(B)

1 Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me,
    for in you I take refuge.(C)
I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings(D)
    until the disaster has passed.(E)

2 I cry out to God Most High,
    to God, who vindicates me.(F)
3 He sends from heaven and saves me,(G)
    rebuking those who hotly pursue me—[c](H)
    God sends forth his love and his faithfulness.(I)

4 I am in the midst of lions;(J)
    I am forced to dwell among ravenous beasts—
men whose teeth are spears and arrows,
    whose tongues are sharp swords.(K)

5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
    let your glory be over all the earth.(L)

6 They spread a net for my feet(M)—
    I was bowed down(N) in distress.
They dug a pit(O) in my path—
    but they have fallen into it themselves.(P)

7 My heart, O God, is steadfast,
    my heart is steadfast;(Q)
    I will sing and make music.
8 Awake, my soul!
    Awake, harp and lyre!(R)
    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.(S)

11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;(T)
    let your glory be over all the earth.(U)

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Footnotes
  1. Psalm 57:1 In Hebrew texts 57:1-11 is numbered 57:2-12.
  2. Psalm 57:1 Title: Probably a literary or musical term
  3. Psalm 57:3 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 6.
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

Let Your Glory Be over All the Earth

To the choirmaster: according to (A)Do Not Destroy. A (B)Miktam[a] of David, when he fled from Saul, in (C)the cave.

57 (D)Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me,
    for in you my soul (E)takes refuge;
in (F)the shadow of your wings I will take refuge,
    (G)till the storms of destruction pass by.
2 I cry out to God Most High,
    to God who (H)fulfills his purpose for me.
3 (I)He will send from heaven and save me;
    he will put to shame (J)him who tramples on me. Selah
(K)God will send out (L)his steadfast love and his faithfulness!

4 My soul is in the midst of (M)lions;
    I lie down amid fiery beasts—
the children of man, whose (N)teeth are spears and arrows,
    whose (O)tongues are sharp swords.

5 (P)Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!
    Let your glory be over all the earth!

6 They set (Q)a net for my steps;
    my soul was (R)bowed down.
They (S)dug a pit in my way,
    but they have fallen into it themselves. Selah
7 (T)My heart is (U)steadfast, O God,
    my heart is steadfast!
I will sing and make melody!
8     (V)Awake, (W)my glory![b]
Awake, (X)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 (Y)steadfast love is great to the heavens,
    your faithfulness to the clouds.

11 (Z)Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!
    Let your glory be over all the earth!

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Footnotes
  1. Psalm 57:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term
  2. Psalm 57:8 Or my whole being
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

What is that sound? Is that David singing? Is that his voice echoing in the cave? It was amazing that David could sing amid his trails. Saul and his army were hunting David down to kill him—hence the hiding in the cave. The pressure was intense. David says, “I am in the midst of lions; I am forced to dwell among ravenous beasts…” David, however, knew where to turn for help. He cried, “Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge.” David resolved to take shelter in the LORD until the trouble passed. That same refuge is available to us as well. David had experienced God’s saving power many times before and had learned he could trust God’s faithfulness and love. He was confident that God would be exalted and his glory would shine over all the earth.

David shows us how faith can overcome fear. He was so convinced of God’s salvation that he could praise God even amid the storm. David reached for his harp and his lyre and praised the Lord with such enthusiasm as to wake the dawn. Is it possible for us to do the same? Knowing the wonderful grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus, can we praise his name during life’s difficulties? Imagine the witness that would be to the people around us. Our God saves!

Prayer: Father, you are our refuge and shelter.

One Word: Take refuge in the shadow of his wings