PSALM 57

To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave.

Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me. He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth. My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword. Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth. They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen themselves. Selah. My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise. Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early. I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations. For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds. Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth. (Psalm 57, KJV)

Psalm 57

Fugitive Finds Refuge

Sauline persecution was hot and heavy
Like hungry lions looking for their prey,
But David escaped to the cave of Adullam
It’s arched walls, like wings, a haven safe.

“O safe to the rock that is higher than I,
My soul in its conflicts and sorrows would fly;
So sinful, so weary thine, thine would I be;
Thou blest Rock of Ages. I’m hiding in thee.”

No lovelier thought ever spoken than
Under ‘the shadow of Thy wing.”
What a fortress, our blessed Savior,
Until the storms of life are ceasing.

From confidence in God, David moves
To singing; His God is so wonderful.
     ….my heart is steadfast;
     I will sing and make music.
     ….Awake, harp and lyre!
     I will awaken the dawn.

I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations;
    I will sing of you among the peoples.
For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;
   Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

The world thrills when human beings
Are exalted. It fawns kings, rulers,
Statesmen and the rich and the famous,
But Christians rejoice in God their Savior.

(c) Rex H. Henderson 2003

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