HIGHLIGHT
Psalm 57:1–2 (ESV): 1 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, till the storms of destruction pass by. 2 I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.
EXPLAIN
This psalm was written by David when he fled from King Saul and hid in the cave. Saul went in the cave to use the restroom while David and his men hid further inside.
David’s men wanted him to kill Saul, but instead David cut a piece of the king’s robe. David was then struck with guilt.
After Saul went out, David called to him and told him what he had done, asking why the king was trying to kill him. Saul was ashamed and called off the manhunt for David.
In this psalm, while David had hidden in the cave, he says he would take refuge in the shadow of God’s wings.While David’s men wanted him to assassinate Saul so that he could finally realize God’s anointing to be king, David instead professed his reliance on God who would fulfill his purpose for him.
APPLY
When we think about God’s purpose for our lives, we often see it as something we must pursue and be successful in accomplishing. Surely, there is an element in which we must be faithful to obey God’s call and work in his will.
Yet this scripture reminds us that truly God is sovereign and he wants his will for our lives to be accomplished more than we do. We then must simply surrender ourselves to him, be faithful in serving him, and be patient as God works to accomplish his plan in our lives.
RESPOND
Heavenly Father, thank you for your goodness and faithfulness that you display not only in creation but even in the lives of your people. May I faithfully serve you as you accomplish your plan in this world. May I join you in your work of redemption and restoration. In Jesus’ name, Amen.