In the Cave with David
Daily Reading: Exodus 7, Psalm 57, Acts 13, Proverbs 26
Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me,
for in you I take refuge.
I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings
until the disaster has passed.
I cry out to God Most High,
to God, who vindicates me.
He sends from heaven and saves me,
rebuking those who hotly pursue me,
God sends forth his love and his faithfulness.
I am in the midst of lions;
I am forced to dwell among ravenous beasts—
men whose teeth are spears and arrows,
whose tongues are sharp swords.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth.
They spread a net for my feet—
I was bowed down in distress.
They dug a pit in my path—
but they have fallen into it themselves.
My heart, O God, is steadfast,
my heart is steadfast;
I will sing and make music.
Awake, my soul!
Awake, harp and lyre!
I will awaken the dawn.
I will praise you, 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.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth.
Psalm 57
The Psalm was written by David while hiding in a cave, being pursued by Saul.
David had done nothing wrong, but the current King grew jealous and fearful of David because of David’s success as a military leader under Saul’s command, and David’s rising popularity with the people of Israel.
David was married to Saul’s daughter, best friends with his son, and gave Saul numerous victories.
Yet none of that mattered. Saul sought to end David’s life.
What is David’s response?
Did he stray from God and demand, “How could you let this happen? What did I do to deserve this?”
No.
He drew closer to God. He turned to worship.
“I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.”
“My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.”
“Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn.”
“I will praise you, 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.”
I want a heart that defaults to worship.
In the midst of attacks and challenges that feel undeserved, I want to declare that God is good.
When adversity comes my way, and I wonder why it is happening to me, I want to give praise.
We serve a God who is worthy.
In caves, as well as in palaces.
This year I want to remember this regardless of what comes my way.
Daily Reflection & Dialogue
What is your natural default when challenges arise in life? What would it look like to have an immediate desire to praise God for his unending faithfulness?
