Psalm 57
I hope that everyone has finished their reading assignment, 1 Samuel 18-24. We left off last time with the first point, but were not able to finish; so let’s review THE CRY: Psalms 57:1 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. David’s attitude toward the Lord is the essential lesson for us today; that instead of seeing prayer as the last resort for our trouble it should be the first resource for our relief. The carnal mind, fearful of the situation or trial and doubtful of the ability of God will instinctively attempt to inject self into the solution. This, always results in failure and defeat. It’s kind of the way doctors run tests on us. They always start with the little tests first, and keep going until the come to the biggest test as a last resort. (continuing now) We may also learn that a clear and concise complaint of our trouble is perfectly acceptable. Let us not have the attitude that there is no use calling upon God; for He knows what we have need of even before we ask. That is true according to Matthew 6:5-8; however, we do not pray to let God know what is going on, but to show our own humility and dependency up on Him.
The hypocrites had no confidence in God, their confidence was in their religion and their self-righteousness; “…for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men.” This kind makes a great show of spirituality, but lack real substance and when real trial comes they fall apart and into great discouragement. Beloved, it is trials which test true spirituality. In the context of that passage Matthew 6 it is clear that we are not discouraged from prayer, but encouraged to pray with all fervor.
We are instructed to use not vain repetitions. The phrase vain repetition is defined as “to stammer or babble.” However, you will discover that David entreated God eight times in the book of Psalms “be merciful unto me:” The child of God who knows the true and living God and His sovereign, immutable promises may not stammer and babble using “vain repetitions,” but a confident, trusting prayer of “sane repetitions.” Neither is it necessary to use refined articulation; but using an humble crying out from the heart in faith.
Notice David’s complete trust and confidence in the Lord’s promises: Psalms 57:3, 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. We must cry to the only one who can help. Psalms 40:17 But I [am] poor and needy; [yet] the Lord thinketh upon me: thou [art] my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.
Now, let’s consider THE CASE: Psalms 57:4, 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. There is no doubt that David and his faithful soldiers were afraid; they knew that if they were discovered it would be certain death; they would never leave that cave alive. How they all kept so quiet can only be counted as a miracle of God. Verse four can serve to remind us of the sufferings of our Lord Jesus as he was led to the slaughter to be offered up for us. Psalms 22:20, Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog. Though David knew that God would surely deliver him, our Lord knew that the heavenly Father would not deliver Him; for He must suffer the fire of hell for his elect children. Nevertheless, Our Lord was completely surrendered to the will of the heavenly Father.
We must certainly present our case before the throne of God in the sincerity of our heart. Again, you say, “what’s the use if God knows already?” It is not to inform God of our problem, but to acknowledge that we need Divine deliverance; we must present our case to the only one who can help. The Lord willing, next time we will finish by talking about THE COMMITMENT as well as David’s CONFESSION. E-mail, johnpruitt@frontiernet.net
