Thoughts for the Day

Praise and Assurance under Persecution.
Of David, when he fled from Saul, in the cave.

Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me,
for in you my soul takes refuge;
in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge,
until the destroying storms pass by.
I cry to God Most High,
to God who fulfils his purpose for me.
He will send from heaven and save me,
he will put to shame those who trample on me.
God will send forth his steadfast love and his faithfulness.

I lie down among lions
that greedily devour human prey;
their teeth are spears and arrows,
their tongues sharp swords.

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens.
Let your glory be over all the earth.

They set a net for my steps;
my soul was bowed down.
They dug a pit in my path,
but they have fallen into it themselves.
My heart is steadfast, O God,
my heart is steadfast.
I will sing and make melody.
Awake, my soul!
Awake, O harp and lyre!
I will awake the dawn.
I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing praises to you among the nations.
For your steadfast love is as high as the heavens;
your faithfulness extends to the clouds.

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens.
Let your glory be over all the earth.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

When we're at our lowest ebb (because of illness, financial difficulties, or danger) we should read this psalm, for it has much to teach us. David has been a musician and warrior in King Saul's court, but the king jealous of him, tries to kill him. After a series of close escapes, ending with him feigning madness among the Philistines to escape suspicion (1 Samuel 21.10-15), David retreats to the Cave of Adullam in the Judean wilderness. Here he begins his transformation as a leader, gathering those who are marginalised and discontented to him, and who will eventually become his army. This time of exile also shows his growing, reliance on God. Despite having been anointed as the future king by the prophet Samuel when a young man, (1 Samuel 16.1-13) David's journey to the throne is one fraught with persecution and danger. Now the time in the cave helps to strengthen his character and reinforce his dependence on God.

The imagery in this psalm is wonderful. David describes his enemies as people who "trample" on him (perhaps wild horses); those who seek him are "lions" who want to "greedily devour human prey"; while the traps they have set for him are like "nets" and "pits" (for birds and animals). We cannot doubt his danger but while others might think they were safe in these isolated caves he prefers to put his safety into the hands of God (whom he calls the "Most High") and be sheltered by his "wings" (surely an eagle protecting its young).

So David finishes his song with a repeat of verse 5, that God should be exalted, and His glory shown over all the earth. We reflect these words each time we say "Hallowed be Thy name" in the Lord's Prayer.

Heavenly Father,
when life is difficult:
when we are afraid,
when we feel lost,
or when we feel isolated,
may we remember to turn to You
confident that You are ready to help.
Remind us that we do not stand alone
but You are always ready to shelter us
under Your wings.
Amen.