Scripture
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,
until the destroying storms pass by.
I cry to God Most High,
to God who fulfills his purpose for me.
He will send from heaven and save me,
he will put to shame those who trample on me.Selah
God will send forth his steadfast love and his faithfulness. (Psalm 57:1-3)
Observation
David cries for God’s mercy because God is his soul’s refuge.
Much of the imagery here is lofty – God Most High, heaven, wings, even storms.
The images are both of sheltering and saving.
Application
Here recently I have experienced one of those seasons of setbacks – things that not only did not go my way (those are bad enough for my tender ego) but full-blown disasters that have left me reeling. Things I probably cannot fix. Inevitabilities that I dread but are headed my way anyway.
These words from Psalm 57 spoke to me in today’s daily readings. David writes them in response to his hiding in a cave from Saul who seeks his capture and death. No one is trying to kill me but these personal challenges of the moment seem overwhelming and as dangerous in some ways.
David sings eloquently of God’s sheltering presence and saving action. Unlike my refrain of “why” (which matters little when the storm is blowing!), God shelters and saves. Which is exactly what I need today. Probably tomorrow too!
Prayer
God Most High, shelter me in your wings today as the storms of this moment blow about me. Shelter me from the flood and the fierce winds of life. And hasten to save me, those I love, too. May I, with your servant David, know your sheltering and saving presence. Amen.
