David had enemies on every side. He fled to the Cave of Adullum. And many gathered to him there. “Everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was bitter in soul.” (1 Samuel 22:1)And David was their leader in that dark and distressing time. How did he guide them? He wrote Psalm 57.
He encouraged them to follow his own example and to ask God for mercy. ‘Take refuge in the shadow of God’s wings until the storms of life has past.’ Acknowledge the hardship, the debt, difficulty, distress and bitterness and run to God.
‘God fulfills his purpose for me’ v.2. ’He will save me’ v.3. ‘Against the Lions, fiery beasts, and men whose teeth are spears and arrows,’ v 4 he points them to God. “God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness!” v 3 He calls them to worship. “Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!” v 5
Many obstacles, enemies and painful issues remain, but “My heart is steadfast, O God. I will sing and make melody… I will sign praises to yo among the nations. For your steadfast love is great to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.” v 7, 9-10.
Is the steadfast love of God a tonic for you when life falls to pieces? Does worship grant you courage to face the fallenness of our lives? In the midst of enemies, bitterness, distress David leads his people to praise God for his steadfast love and faithfulness. There is real medicine there.
Notice, David doesn’t ask for anything in this Psalm. No request to improve their situation. He simply praises God whose steadfast love never changes and never fails. God is his sure and certain refuge. The tower of his strength and his place of quiet rest. God is bigger than your problems and better than your bitterness. Fix your mind upon him when the going gets rough. He never fails. Instead of being swallowed up with your troubles be lifted up by God’s coming victory and glory! “Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!” v 11