Our family recently took a trip to a camp in the mountains of Colorado. It had fallen into major disrepair over the years, so when we heard they were looking for volunteers to help with projects around the property, we were thrilled to join! We booked our flights and headed out. I knew we would be very close to the mountains, but what I did not realize was that the camp was actually built into the side of a mountain. As we drove past the tree line and pulled up to the front gates at camp, my heart dropped into my stomach. We were sitting at about 9,000 feet in elevation.
Mount Princeton was directly in front of us and so close it felt like we could touch it. From the balcony of our cabin we could see the outstretched valley below us. During the morning hours the valley was covered in bright sunlight, but by afternoon, the sun had dipped just behind the mountain enough that a massive shadow was cast over the entire valley. You could see exactly where the sun started and stopped. It was massive and powerful to see every day.
When David wrote about his soul taking refuge in the shadow of God’s wings in Psalm 57:1, I imagine it looked and felt like the shadow of Mount Princeton that I witnessed. The psalm’s superscription tells us that David had been fleeing from Saul. He was worried for his safety, had nowhere to turn, and was hiding from his enemies. I’m sure he was feeling anxious and afraid. Sometimes, when it feels like the world is out of control, we long for a place of security and rest.
Like David, I, too, have felt worried and scared. And I have found that the best thing I can do is go to God and seek His shelter. When we cry out to Him, the truth of His character and His love give us refuge from the turmoil we are feeling. God offers protection even in the midst of a storm that appears to have no end in sight. Our immediate circumstances may not change, but when we trust Him we move from fear and despair to hope and peace.
My favorite part of this psalm is the way we can see David move from fear and desperation to joy. Toward the end of the psalm he had begun to sing praises and give thanks to God! While the enemy would love to remind us of the loneliness and hopelessness we feel in scary circumstances, we can take refuge under the wings of God’s protection—and have hope.
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113 thoughts on "Psalms 55–58"
Amen!
Though my circumstances dont seem to change externally, i cry out God, he knows my pain and in his loving arms I can find peace and hope knowing he has a plan!
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Psalm 55 and 56 bring to mind a chorus I learned in college and have been singing ever since:
“You are my hiding place.
You always fill my heart
With songs of deliverance
Whenever I feel afraid.
I will trust in you.
I will trust in you.
Let the weak say, “I am strong in the strength of the Lord.”
Yes! I love this song and heard it in a while.
I’m reminded today of God’s perfect timing. I’m a day behind and reading this as I go in for a breast ultrasound following up on abnormalities in my routine mammogram.
He is my refuge! My peace! I rest in the shadow of His wing today.
I have been behind a few days too, but felt the same way after reading a few passages late. The Lord knows. He is saying “I see you sweet daughter” thank you Lord!
In God is my hope, my peace, my refuge, my strength!
What a perfect reading for today – we have a big appointment tomorrow that has me filled with fear, this reminder was right on time. Psalm 57:2 I call to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me ; Psalm 56:3 When I am afraid, I will trust in you. Amen and amen.
Have prayed for you, Lauren.
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Cast your burden on the Lord,
and HE will sustain you;
He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.
Psalm 55:22
There is so much truth and comfort in this verse. How simple it if to just cast your burdens onto God and also what a relief! Praising God for this unfounding truth!
Hope is the key word here. Hope.
Psalm 57:7-8~My heart is confident, God, my heart is confident. I will sing; I will sing praises. Wake up, my soul! Wake up harp and lyre! I will wake up the dawn.
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Amen! Reading this really makes me realize the Lord is watching Earth into each of our lives. He is judging the living to make us righteous in our faith. “Yes, there is a reward for the righteous! There is a God who judges on earth!”
What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. – Psalm 56:3 ❤️
Sister Shes
The Psalms have a perfect pitch
for these troubling times
at home & abroad.
We lament.
We look to the Lord.
We cry to the Lord.
We pray to the Lord.
We watch & wait expectantly on the Lord.
For safekeeping.
For salvation.
By His steadfast love.
Selah
I immediately started singing when I read Psalm 56. (Thanks to “Hide ‘Em in Your Heart” and Steve Green!) If I didn’t bring that personal CD home when I retired from preschool, I’m gonna go get it! (Go get THEM… I have volumes 1 & 2.)
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That music is not just good for the kiddos, btw!
:) I have a few children’s books that I think “Wow! If this were read to adults as a sermon, they’d learn a ton… have to dig deep!”
My prayers for today are for our men and women (I choose to not use the word warrior)serving in harms way. For healing for the wounded and comfort and peace for the families of the fallen.
Amen, Donna.
I love Psalms 56:8, it was a verse I turned to while I walked through the loss of my husband in 2022, I reread a sticky note in my bible from that time and it ministered to me. I am now remarried and deeply loved, the tears were not wasted!
That’s beautiful. God bless.
My HOPE is in Him!
Happy Wednesday SHE’s. I have been feeling a bit overwhelmed by all of these psalms each day and trying to fill in all of the daily responses for each psalm. So I decided to instead READ each psalm but then do a DEEP DIVE on my favorite of the day. I enjoyed this so very much and the stress of trying to Deep Dive each one is lifted. In case I am not the only one feeling overwhelmed, you might try this!
That is a VERY good idea! Thanks for that.
I love this❤️ great idea.
Agreed
Thank you for sharing and for the suggestion. I have considered just reading one Psalm a day (and jumping to the Holy Week section when it’s time). But I may try your idea first!❤️
One of my favorite verses when I was battling fear was Psalms 56:3 “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.”
Gods word is so wonderful to help us in our time of need!
Praying for all!
My prayer based on Psalm 55-57. (I made comment on Psalm 58 in response to Tina)
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Heavenly Father thank you that you give ear to our prayers. That in fear, trembling and anguish you are there. Thank you that we can find refuge and shelter in you from the raging storms, the taunting, the battles, the terror and those who come against us and who do not fear you. Thank you Lord that when we cast our burden on you, you sustain us; that when we are afraid, we trust in you and that we can know, you are for us, God. Thank you Lord that you so deeply love us that every tear we cry is held in a bottle and we are in the palm of your hand. Lord even though there is destruction, storms and enemies among us, you are there shining light in the darkness and we can walk without falling because of you are making the way. Lord you are merciful, faithful and your plans and purposes for us will be fulfilled. We exalt and lift up your name God. Keep our hearts steadfast and hear our praises. We love you. In your Mighty name Precious Lord. Amen ❤️
Amen. ❤️
Thank you Wendy. I will copy this prayer with your permission and send it on to others who would appreciate it.
Of course❤️
I hope you don’t mind, but I plan to share your prayer with a friend who needs it. ❤️
Please do share. ❤️
Ya’ll are leaving comments faster than I can right my own this morning, lol.
I recently, well last Fall, memorized Psalm 57. I usually have a “go to song” at the end of the night for a period. I found a YouTube song on Psalm 57 when we were studying in jail “Bible reading and memorization and meditation. There are a few ladies I have come to know really well, where they are in there by unfair circumstances. They are hurting and suffering, away from their kids, with no way to contact them. I see their pain so palpable on their face. One of my precious sisters goes to court today as a matter of fact, if you could pray for her, that they are trying to seek the death penalty for her for the death of her child. She may be guilty for not going against her controlling husband and seeking medical care for her son, but she didn’t viciously kill her own child. This is very controversial, I understand. But I have seen her heart, and her love of God, for every week, 9 months. I ask that you pray for Mercy and Grace for her today in court. It is not the trial, just to see what the prosecutors can seek. I am afraid she has such a long, long road ahead of her. I have talked to her mother and was able to learn much more. (we can judge from the outside, but there is always more to the story. Doing jail ministry has really given me more grace and mercy to understand that all things are not black and white. And of course with my nephew being sentenced and incarcerated which would never have been foretold!! The world is full of injustice. But we know God sees everything when we can’t. I am so glad when I can’t possibly understand, he does.
Once book I recently read “The Sun Does Rise” (maybe), was of a guy that was accused of murder back in the 80’s, because of his color, he did not receive a fair trial. He was on death row for over 30 years. Lived in a little cell, away from family, deprived of growing up and living as he could have. His story is amazing, because instead of living in anger and bitterness, he chose to give encouragement to those around him daily, who were also on death row. He was finally released about 5 years ago I believe.
How can we not be bitter and angry in these situations? We can’t possibly understand unless we were in their shoes. Only God. Faith. That he is the ultimate judge. Oh Lord, help us, help those that are going through unimaginable trials. Where it seems like the bad guys are winning. It really is a common thing. Spouses cheat and lie-ruining families that cause us dismay and anger. People steal from us (my friend/butterfly Shalan just had her car broken in to with 500 dollars stolen (her rent money due today) and the supplies she had bought for welding school starting soon!–please pray, she asked to borrow some money this morning to cover it!) But she is angry over this–I’m sure she is cursing them. But hopefully seeing that God will provide will soothe the burn. We are so mad at the gf that exaggerated the details and all her part in my nephew’s case. I’m sure if my niece saw her in public, it would not be good. We are angry at her.
Be merciful, oh Lord, be merciful to me. For in you, my soul takes refuge! In the shadow of your wing, my soul takes refuge!! Awake my heart…let me sing to you in trust and faith. That even though the results might not be just, that you are working all things…THROUGH the situations. That when WE can’t fix things, we finally hit are knees and cry out to YOU!! That- is the place we all need to come. Thank you Jesus for this. Our brokenness that happens to all of us. That you use circumstances to get our attention, to break us. It is not easy. The worm is in the dark, thinking life is over. But through your work and transformation Lord, you create something beautiful from the dark. We praise you in gratitude. When we can see the garden from the grave. We see the joy after the mourning. We see VICTORY, in a different way when we come to you!! You are our victory. You are our FREEDOM! (that was the word the Lord gave me for Tosha, and gave it to her in confirmation. We hope it is physical freedom, but it could be freedom from the chains of the world. For even in death, WE, children of God, will find life.
Thank you for your prayers for Tosha and Shalan today, and our ministry today at jail! We are watching “The Passion of the Christ” in class, 20 min. each week. It is intense. The scene today is the demons chasing Judas and him hanging himself. Ugh..do I fast forward, or watch?
Love ya’ll and the comments. Praying for all our requests, big and small!
Will you also lift up my 82 year old friend, who is going for a lung scan today, to see if they can treat her cancer diagnosis. Her name is Kay. (We are screaming and mad at cancer too! :/)
I’m reading this a day late, but still praying for your requests. Even if the mom *is* somehow guilty of the death of her child, she is no less worthy of our prayers. (I have a friend who is a public defender, a job she chose because she said that she couldn’t think of anything more like Jesus than defending the guilty—which most of her clients are. But even so, they deserve representation and a fair trial. That statement has given me much food for thought.) Bless you for your love for these women.
“Our immediate circumstances may not change, but when we trust Him we move from fear and despair to hope and peace.”
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How true this is, and it is such a God thing – to remain in the circumstance and yet move from fear and despair to hope and peace.
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It has happened time and time again, and will continue to happen throughout my life as long as I continue to trust in God and not my circumstances.
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In the midst of his despair, David broke out in a God-exalting refrain – “Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.
In doing so he brought to his remembrance who God is and the power He holds…may I remember to do the same when I find myself in the midst of an impossible circumstance!
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When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.
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Happy Wednesday She’s! I’m off to pick up my granddaughter and will pop back in later to read the comments and jot down prayer requests. ❤️
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I am going through something in my life and was trying to distract myself with other things instead of just focusing on God. Yes, I have been praying but reading this, my prayers have been short as of late. David was praying morning, noon and night. These Psalms have reminded me to seek God all throughout my day.
Praying for you!
Our house in Colorado used to be at 10,300 feet. We now are at 9,700. The mountains are beautiful and do cast shadows. Lauren gave a good comparison to the shadows of God’s wings.
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During Tanner’s life I had to take refuge in God. There was no other way to get through it. He is faithful. I felt His comfort. God is my refuge!
y’all. I just heard the most encouraging thing on His radio. it was an Iranian Christian saying Iran is the fastest growing evangelical church. he said he believes the chaos going on in Iran is the devil reeking havoc because his back is against the wall and this was just so encouraging to me. picturing war and uprising and destruction as Satan just realizing he is losing! praying for faithful endurance of the saints!
Wow, that is interesting.
Amazing. It is humbling to hear such testimony of faithful perseverance in the face of destruction and hardship.
Yes I heard on a Christian news show, of Bible apps for them in their language happening now. They can access wifi in coffee shops, a company is helping with that. Having bibles there is very dangerous. Praying.
Lanie, I have heard that too. People are having dreams and visions of Jesus. I pray the same for our prodigals.
MEANWHILE, Before my friends arrived, I spent over an hour singing worship, crying my heart out, claiming His promises as I cooked and cleaned…I felt washed through….Please pray that all the beauty, peace, and conviction God is sending my way lately (that He cares more about my Sweet Boy and his salvation even more than I do) will not disappear or be shaken!!
Thank you for sharing your insights Foster Mama. When we go thru turmoil like David our thoughts and feelings are all over the place but God knew and loved David’s heart and wants our hearts. Praying for your foster little boy and for your friend and her family. The enemy wants to destroy the family and relationships, may they hold onto God’s promises in the storm.
❤️ Thank you for that ❤️
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I don’t think they are used to leaning on God… praying God can use me and those around them … reveal Himself
Summary is just a prayer request:
PRAYER REQUEST
Please pray for L&T’s marriage/ family…that God would hold up each one.
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Two dear, longtime female friends came over last night for dinner…one shared that her husband (whom I truly, deeply love…a beautiful, exemplary man for the 30+ years I’ve known him) wants to seperate from her. And the manner he is going about it is completely incomprehensible, beneath him, cruel, cowardly, destructive to kids, etc… TRULY!! I genuinely worry about his mental health!!
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It may sound cliche but they really did/do have the ideal household and are the LAST marriage anyone would have imagined….their teenaged children and all the youth around them aimed to model their future relationships on them as a yardstick!! The hardest part is she was also able to say “What people saw on the outside IS indeed, truly how we were!!”. (Dare I talk about the envy of the enemy?!)
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In light of these Psalms, I’m thinking of how generous she tried to be in her description of his actions for 90% of her story and only at one moment said “When he said ___ to our child, I just wanted to punch his teeth in!!!” … and both my friend and I nodded, so unbelievably impressed at her restraint at only having felt this once or twice in this whole ordeal!!
God forgive me.
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I agree with everyone who is saying we should not entertain such thoughts and feelings for long (and commit sin in our hearts) but, I see David writing it out as not letting it fester inside, getting it off his chest and giving it to God. God has made us and I feel he invites our sharing all our messy with him. But, like David, I pray it never ends there but rather that it be praise and looking for him to wash us clean and cleave to Him and His will.
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One more point,…I think (rightly so!) because it is an animalistic expression of anger/rage, it makes us judge David harshly…..but, deeeep despair, wallowing in the mire, feeling like God has hidden the sun and fear that his enemies will devour him, etc…I would argue, this too is very much very far from the heart of God and the comportment or “feelings landscape” expected of His people.
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Forgive the length of my comment…I’m processing…
I love what you wrote! So spot on! Thanks for sharing as you process! We do have feelings of anger, and striking out! But then once we “let it out” it helps us! Release. Justice. Unfairness causes righteous anger. But then we give it to God, and ask him to help us.
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Good comment!
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It seems to me that Satan is really working on the destruction of life-giving marriages. My sister-in-law is going through something similar with her husband, and we also all have worried about his mental health with the seemingly total 180 in character. I pray that the Lord would grant reconcilliation in restoring the marriage of your friend, and all others who are going through similarly distressing situations. May the Lord uphold and restore Godly and lifegiving marriages!
Yes, TOTAL 180°!!! We didn’t recognize the man she was describing!! Sadly, she has tried multiple times with the “I will carry your share too…I will believe for both of us that we can work on our marriage, get counseling”…”No. I can’t”. She is at the point where she needs to make hard decisions, which may mean walking away with her/ for her kids.
My heart goes out to your sister in-law!!
We renounce you, Satan, with all your trickery and poison as you attack our churches and the churches meant to be our homes and marriages.
Lauren so beautifully said, “God offers protection even in the midst of a storm that appears to have no end in sight. Our immediate circumstances may not change, but when we trust Him we move from fear and despair to hope and peace. … we can take refuge under the wings of God’s protection—and have hope.”
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Be Exalted O God
JohnMichaelTalbot
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
wup..Cee Gee’s off to conquer the world again today! (by the quicker comment!) Have a good day friend!
Local Bible study, you mind reader! ☺☺☺❤❤❤ Back atcha! ❤
Going to get ready in a minute.
I went to listen to a song that KB shared (by Mercy Me) that was new to me and saw this one in the grid and thought the words also fit for today’s read::
MercyMe – Then Christ Came (The Cabin Sessions)
Partial lyrics:
I never thought that I would ever see the day
When every single chain would break
Or hear the voice of heaven call my name
Then Christ came
Changing everything
He took my sin and shame away
Now every song
I sing will be for Him
Ever since the moment He walked in
You are the one I prayed for
You are the one I was made for
Hallelujah
Jesus You gave me purpose
Jesus You told me I’m worth it
Hallelujah
Then Christ came
One of my favorites!
Mine too, I like it with Phil Wickham!! :)
Amen
I want to share a praise report. In my Bible study that I do at my church I asked for prayer for my car. It was making a really horrible noise. Car trouble really stresses me. My first thought is always, how much will this cost?
Our group leader told me to wait for her after class. She shared that another guy in one of her other Bible study class has a car ministry! She sent me his number.
He is fixing my car for free. I only had to buy the car parts!
Not to say other ministries aren’t real but this is what I needed.This man was a mechanic for over 20 years and he is retired. He normally buys old cars , fixes them and gives them to people.
As a single female with a limited car repair fund this was a tremendous blessing.
God is so amazing. I thought it was a trivial thing to ask for prayer about a car and car repairs. My actual requests was it not be too expensive
People in group are praying for loved ones with dementia and cancer. If I had not requested prayer that connection would not have been made.
PRAISE God, praise God, praise God!
Wow, PTL Tanya, that is truly a blessing and answered prayer!! God is our provider!Thank you for sharing, we definitely need to share our blessing more often!!
That’s an awesome story Tanya- yes! Praise the Lord for this man who bears fruit every day giving his talents to help people in need!
❤️ thank you for sharing. Such a great reminder to bring all our requests to God, big and small. He cares about it all.
Tanya, it’s true that God cares about the small things, too. I remember a dear friend and mentor many years ago asking me what I needed prayer for. She and her family had many serious health issues they battled everyday. I commented that my need was nothing compared to theirs and she quickly told me thst NO PROBLEM IS TOO SMALL to bring before God. She passed away many years ago, but her words of wisdom live on in my heart.
Look what glory He got from this small act of obedience from you, your study group, and the mechanic!
There is a lady in our church in just such a situation. Now I am wondering if we have any men qualified and willing to start such a ministry. I am pretty sure God is smiling over your praise this morning! I know your sisters here are! Thank you for sharing! ❤
We have a guy in our church that does the same as well. It is such a blessing for women that don’t want to get taken advantage of by car places that want to over sell parts and labor!
My old radio station (WBGL- some mentioned it a couple of weeks ago!) Use to do a Single-Women Saturday to get free maintenance on their cars! What a gift! I take it for granted b/c my husband is a car guy, but it’s so expensive for all the things that come with a car.
What a great answer to prayer! God is involved in every detail. :)
What great testimony about the awesome blessing you received!
I prayed for my family in Israel who is taking shelter in their bomb shelter off and on for the last 4 days of bombings from Iran and then I read the reading for today. It was so timely, such a good reminder to share with them.
How worrisome for you, and scary for them. Yes, what a perfect Psalm to balm your fear and anxiety today. Praying for them and others. Lord, we pray prayers of protection of Amy’s family and others. Let them keep their eyes up, and know that you are holding them. Lord, give them an unnatural peace and stillness and trust. Give Amy assurance as well Lord.
Amen! ❤
Amen ❤️
Amy, my prayers of protection and resilience are with your family. Such a scary situation. And also for you for strength and comfort. Hang in there, sister.
I’m including you and your family in my prayers. God is in control.
Praying for your family in Israel!
I had the same thoughts about this and that is why I have been enjoying reading the comments. I’m truly becoming a part of this “She Community”! This is my first Bible study in this community and it is taking me so much deeper in my relationship with God than I have ever been. So thank you to all who share their thoughts and comments on this platform!
That’s so wonderful Debby! I felt the same the first time I read a study with our She’s, and that was over 10 years ago, and I have not missed one since! You can also join our FB “SRT SHE’S” page if you want (be sure to put this study for the question). You will grow immensely being here each day..and of course, in GOD’s word each day!! It is life changing in growing in your relationship with God!
So glad you are here and already feel connected, Debby! ❤
I am listening to the podcast and they mention Psalm 115 and sing a bit with Ellie Holcomb, I don’t see Psalm 115 in the book. Does anyone else notice that as well? Has a section of Psalms 108-112 and the following one is Psalms 119. Is this correct? Thank you for the help.
Psalm 113-118 are sprinkled throughout on the days entitled Weekly Truth. Psalm 125 is on page 123
I shared a song by Ellie Holcomb (Monday, I think?). I had no idea she was a podcast guest. She’s a South Carolina girl! ❤
When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
Keep me in faith, Lord, no matter what I am going through. Amen!
I will admit, I’ve been struggling a bit with the Psalms. I want to say, “Whoah, David, slow down there. You are far from a perfectly righteous person. Do you really want to be asking God for such intense retribution on others.”
But God reminded me this morning that if I were to write down all my thoughts, I’d have some pretty hateful ones in there, too. I might not be thinking about asking God to tear someone limb from limb, but I do have anger in my heart, which is like murder instead of like forgiveness.
Maybe I need to eat a slice of humble pie and be thankful God is loving and forgiving, even to those of us with the occasional (or not so occassional) self-righteous thought. Maybe I also need to be more like David and spend much time praising God for His great wonders and His rescue.
Lots to ponder! Happy Wednesday!
meagan, SAME! I literally wrote on one of the pages whoaaa pretty confident for someone who just murdered his friend. and then I realized if I truly believed the finality of what Jesus did on the cross, I should have that confidence too. confidence in God’s faithful love is just a reflection of truly knowing who he is.
Im not sure that has occurred yet, David is King when that all comes about. But yes, I was reading all the “take avenge” on them, and thinking…there’s so much of that, yet Jesus tells us to love our enemies.
Thank you, sisters,for sharing your thoughts. I deal with similar ‘revelations’ as I read throughout God’s Word. ❤
Good morning, She’s. Wishing everyone a good day. Continued prayers for all.
Amen!
Mercy Me fans may have called How Great is Your Love to memory. The song is partially taken from Psalm 57. It is reminding me to offer up praise in all situations because of God’s great love and care for me.
My heart is steadfast, O God
And I will sing
With all my heart and soul
Music for the King
And I will awake the dawn
With my praise to you, O Lord
How great is Your love
So much higher than the heavens
With faithfulness that reaches the sky
How great is Your love
So much higher than the heavens
With faithfulness that reaches the sky
OH! I don’t know that I know this one! I will look it up, thanks KB!
Thanks so much, KB! I never heard that song before and can’t believe I never heard it on the radio! ❤
Lord God thank you for being our refuge and shelter. I’m grateful to understand you are trustworthy in all circumstances, even the ones we do not yet understand.
Yes! This brings to mind the song “Trustworthy,” by Seth Condrey.
I’ll have to check that one out, too! ❤
O David, thank you for giving us words to express praise to God!
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I’m also thankful how the psalms model pooring out all our ugly feelings to God-anger, fear, hatred, etc. As Tina noted, the call for harm and destruction of our “enemies” may be uncomfortable to our modern sensibilities, yet it represents how we are to take everything to God and let Him handle the meting out of punishment according to His justice and in His time (instead of taking things into our own hands – Romans 12:19). In a sense it represents a purging of the feelings so that they don’t take root in our hearts leading to unrighteousness and sin.
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MARINA SAYADIAN – praying your husband does not become discouraged and finds a new opportunity quickly.
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SEARCHING – how is the family member with the bad break in leg? And Liz’s surgery?
Praying
Amen
Lots of song lyrics in the reading this morning – I’m sure our worship aficionados will get them covered:)
One of my favorite verses for Psalm 56: When I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid.
Amen.
I love the Psalms! They are so raw and so encouraging in many ways.
We stand not alone in our times of trouble, many many many, if not all have journeyed the road of trouble, sorrow, worry, fear and turmoil.
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If I may, I’d like to address the elephant in the room.. the desire for bad to happen to those that harm us. I mean like for like, eye for an eye sort of thing.
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Psalms 56 and 58 had me squirming.. with ‘break the teeth of these fierce lions, O God.
“..defeat them in your anger’
“..Punish them O God..”
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I do not like reading or praying these sort of words, against anyone.. it is not my place to ask the Lord to punish them, or is it?
I may have started a debate here, I’m sorry, I just feel there is no clean or clear heart in making such a request to God, please correct me if I’m wrong.
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I, like the author am glad David moves into praise and hope towards the end of each of these verses..
I think I wouldn’t know how to ask for punishment of another in this vein, it would scare me.. the verse ‘do unto others as you would have them do unto you’ Matthew 7:12 comes to mind. I AM a sinner, so if I go around requesting brutal vengeance, what happens when I sin?
I am sorry to dampen everyone’s reading, but I feel quite out of sorts for reading this evil for evil retaliation, and the request being made to God.
I know the world is a broken place, I know terrible things happen, I know we do bad things to each other, but requesting harm from God.. where is the heart in such an ask?
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THANK GOD FOR JESUS!
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I know these Psalms were written 28 generations before Jesus, and boy am I thankful for that! That we needed Jesus, for absolutely sure! That Jesus came, and His coming changed us, how we thought, how we think now, if we know Jesus, we know God, yes, the same God David knew, and if we know Him we know we have the gift of the Holy Spirit which guides and directs us in the way we think and act. We don’t always get it right, I know, I don’t..
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BUT GOD..
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God in me means I am not as savage thinking in situations such as David’s..
Jesus cancelled that mentality in the sermon on the mount I believe, I am so very thankful, I would not have survived this life for long..:)
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I do not judge David, not at all, as I am so very thankful for his words of thanks and praise to God, for his ‘close to my life’ words that resonate with me, as the way in which he mainly deals positively with God as his protector, his rescuer, One in whom he places his trust and hope. and the way he praises God, even when..
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Lord may I always be gratefully thankful for your presence in my life, my days, my all..
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Amen.
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Sorry for the ‘debate’ comment and the missive.
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Happy Wednesday sweet sisters..I pray it is well with you,
Much love covered in prayers..❤️❤️
I completely agree with you, Tina. The Psalms are so raw and often can soar to the highest highs in praising God for His tender nearness to some of the lowest lows of despair, sadness, and unadulterated hate and anger.
I am uncomfortable with wishing harm on anyone and I’m definitely against praying for the death and destruction of anyone, but I do admit deep down inside when I’m angry at another person and call them a name either aloud or in my heart, that same spirit of violence and destruction lives in me. That humbles me greatly.
Anyway, instead of praying for the destruction of others, I pray that God touches and redeems them. And I hope when I wrong someone, they do the same for me.
We pray for mercy but we also pray for justice! These kind of imprecatory prayers are found throughout psalms and can be unsettling. I recommend the book “Known and Loved” by Glenna Marshall which has a great chapter about why these prayers are acceptable and how even Jesus quoted a “cursing psalm”!
I agree with you, as well. Knowing some of David’s bad choices, it makes me want to caution Him on such intense judgement of others. Thank the Lord for Jesus and His grace! Judgement and punishment belong to God, not us.
I totally understand what you are saying TINA and these verses often make me uncomfortable too. I want people to come to themselves and to God but also selfishly….I want my apology and, if it takes a little shake …
(please see my Prayer Request above)
I don’t know..if I was in a cave, and being chased and they literally were going to kill me for no wrong doing..(in what they were chasing him for at this point) I certainly would have these feelings. These are his raw, gut reaction feelings. Very real. Probably what everyone would think when scared for days, weeks on end, and thinking…but I’ve done nothing to deserve this!! We all do that. (but now we have the new testament, and know how to switch those feelings into prayer)
Tina, it’s so “but God” to read your comment after sharing a song in reply to my first comment! The name: Then Christ Came by Mercy Me. That is just such a God thing! ❤❤❤
I agree that Psalm 58 in particular is hard to read. I found the notes in my ESV Study Bible helpful as far as the right lense to read this chapter. Context, time frame of when this written and who this is actually directed towards is always important:
God’s people should sing this song when they are confronted with injustice among their own rulers and tyrants and thus this is a community lament. The Psalm opens by addressing the tyrants directly who are wicked and unjust. It moves into praying that the rulers will fail in their vicious purposes and loose their power to do harm. it ends with even though the believers are suffering they can know that one day God will vindicate his justice. (sourec:ESV Study Bible 2008, Crossway)