LHC Midday Word: PSALM Fifty Seven

For the director of music.

To the tune of ‘Do Not Destroy’.

Of David. A miktam.

When he had fled from Saul into the cave.

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.

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Word by Word Meditations

by Fred Ursell

Psalm 57 : “steadfast” (v.7)

Sometimes we’ve got to wake ourselves up, realising we’ve gone a bit numb. See how David tackled his emotions – physically he was taking “refuge” (v.1) in a cave, but spiritually “in the shadow” of the Lord. He felt “in the midst of ... ravenous beasts” (v.4) and “in distress” (v.6).

Don’t be demoralised! With David sing a different tune with different lyrics : “my heart is steadfast, O God ... I will sing and make music. Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn” (vv.7-8). What he is saying is that he’ll be worshipping before break of day. Not buckling - that’s being truly steadfast!

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READING

Psalm Fifty Seven

Read by David Suchet