Daily Psalm Reading – Psalms 56-60
Psalm 57 is a much needed psalm in our world today. A glance at any form of news media will show you that things are bad in this world. Poverty, hunger, job loss, homelessness, rumors of wars, natural disasters, death…it doesn’t take long to get discouraged over all the chaos.
But the psalmist reminds us that our God sits over the chaos. The pleading for mercy is coupled by the trust of protection in the shadow of God’s wings.
I cry out to God Most High,
Psalm 57:2-3 NIV
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.
Even though the psalmist is surrounded by destruction, violence, and danger, the reaction is not despair, but worship!
My heart, O God, is steadfast,
Psalm 57:7-10 NIV
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.
What’s your first reaction when life brings pain your way? Is it to run toward God in trust and in worship, or to stay home and hide?
The psalmist reminds us that there is healing involved in worship. There is strength, reassurance, trust, and blessings that pour forth when we worship. Don’t run from God in times of trouble, run to him! Find an opportunity to worship with others, even if it isn’t Sunday morning.
It’s easy to look at our world and conclude that everything is hopeless, but the psalmist disagrees. Psalm 57 reminds us that God’s steadfast love and faithfulness are to be enjoyed and praised, even in the midst of the storm.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
Psalm 57:11 NIV
let your glory be over all the earth.
Living in the Word 