57 Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me!
For my soul trusts in You;
And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge,
Until these calamities have passed by.
2 I will cry out to God Most High,
To God who performs all things for me.
3 He shall send from heaven and save me;
He reproaches the one who would swallow me up. Selah
God shall send forth His mercy and His truth.
4 My soul is among lions;
I lie among the sons of men
Who are set on fire,
Whose teeth are spears and arrows,
And their tongue a sharp sword.
5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
Let Your glory be above all the earth.
6 They have prepared a net for my steps;
My soul is bowed down;
They have dug a pit before me;
Into the midst of it they themselves have fallen. Selah
7 My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast;
I will sing and give praise.
8 Awake, my glory!
Awake, lute and harp!
I will awaken the dawn.
9 I will praise You, O Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing to You among the nations.
10 For Your mercy reaches unto the heavens,
And Your truth unto the clouds.
11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
Let Your glory be above all the earth.
In times of trouble and distress, Psalm 57 provides a profound example of how to find refuge in God. The psalmist pleads, “Be merciful to me, O God… for in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge” (v.1). This sentiment resonates with us, when our circumstances feel overwhelming. The imagery here beautifully illustrates His protective care for His people, inviting us to find safety and comfort in His presence.
David wrote this psalm during a time of great danger, likely while fleeing from Saul. Yet, he boldly declares, “I will cry out to God Most High… who performs all things for me” (v.2). Even in the darkest moments, we are called to cry out to God in faith, trusting that He alone can act on our behalf. Instead of relying solely on ourselves, we are reminded to direct our cries to the One who is sovereign overall.
David openly expresses his anguish, saying, “My soul is among lions” (v.4), but he also exalts God: “Be exalted, O God, above the heavens” (v.5). This shift in focus teaches us that worship, even in the midst of pain, brings God glory and changes our perspective. When we exalt Him, we are reminded of His greatness, which helps us see beyond our immediate struggles.
As the psalm progresses, David resolves to praise God: “I will sing and give praise” (v.7). Worship in adversity is a powerful act of faith, shifting our hearts from fear to hope. It reminds us that God is our strength, and His mercy and truth extend beyond all circumstances.
David concludes, “Your mercy reaches unto the heavens, and Your truth unto the clouds” (v. 10). This declaration encapsulates the essence of his faith—a faith rooted in the unchanging character of God. His mercy and truth are not limited; they reach beyond our understanding, encompassing the entire universe. In our moments of doubt and fear, we can hold fast to this truth, knowing that God’s faithfulness will prevail.
Let us pray: Lord, help us to find refuge in You during our times of trouble. Teach us to trust in Your mercy and to sing Your praises even when circumstances are difficult. Remind us of Your greatness and faithfulness, that we may always find hope in You. Amen.