September 27, 2017 (Wednesday)
We are told in 1 Samuel 21 that David was fleeing from the madness and wrath of King Saul and went to Gath to seek help from the Philistines, evidently hoping they would not recognize him. But when he saw they were suspicious, he pretended to be insane, and escaped from them. This was a very dangerous time for him, and this psalm reveals his request to God for help and his promise to trust Him.
Psalm 56
New International Version (NIV)
For the director of music. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” Of David. A miktam. When the Philistines had seized him in Gath.
I. I AM IN TROUBLE, GOD–I TRUST YOU TO HELP ME (1-11)
1 Be merciful to me, my God,
for my enemies are in hot pursuit;
all day long they press their attack.
2 My adversaries pursue me all day long;
in their pride many are attacking me.
3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
4 In God, whose word I praise–
in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
5 All day long they twist my words;
all their schemes are for my ruin.
6 They conspire, they lurk,
they watch my steps,
hoping to take my life.
7 Because of their wickedness do not let them escape;
in your anger, God, bring the nations down.
8 Record my misery;
list my tears on your scroll–
are they not in your record?
9 Then my enemies will turn back
when I call for help.
By this I will know that God is for me.
10 In God, whose word I praise,
in the Lord, whose word I praise–
11 in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can man do to me?
II. THANKSGIVINGS (12-13)
12 I am under vows to you, my God;
I will present my thank offerings to you.
13 For you have delivered me from death
and my feet from stumbling,
that I may walk before God
in the light of life.