My Heart is Steadfast

Psalm 57 (NIV)

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.


Reflection
 
When we enter the scene of this scripture, David is hiding in a cave, protecting his life from King Saul. I’m sure he never thought he would be in this situation. When David was a young boy, God chose him to be the next king of Israel, but David had to wait for God’s perfect time. While he was waiting, David fought the giant Goliath and won many battles for God. Because of David’s success, King Saul is jealous of him and chasing him.

As David sits in this cave, he cries out to God. “Have mercy on me (verse 1a)…I will take refuge in your wings until disaster will pass (verse 1b)…God sends His love and faithfulness (verse 3b).” Even though David is fearful, confused, and sad, he knows the best thing he can do is pursue God, trust Him, and worship Him (verses 9-11).

When we have unmet expectations in our life, we have a choice to pursue, worship, and trust God through it. There have been times in my life when I just don’t understand situations. I wasn’t running for my life like David, but I had moments when I thought God had forgotten about me. There were people I loved who were taken away. In these situations, I had to choose to run to God and take refuge in Him. Sometimes I tried to fix things myself, but when I stopped and went to God, I would feel comfort even if I didn’t understand why these things were happening. God used all those situations to make me into the person I am today. Are you going to choose to pursue God, even though you don’t understand?


Action step

What situation are you in that you need God’s peace? Take some time today to pray about it, be quiet before God, and listen for His wisdom.

 
Prayer
 
Heavenly Father, You are so good, and You deserve all my worship and praise. There are things in my life that I prayed for, and You didn’t answer me in the way I thought You would or I am still waiting. In those moments, help me to remember You are still working; You haven’t forgotten about me. Your plans are perfect. In the waiting, help me to continue to come to You. I love You, Father! In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.