Saturday, July 21, 2018

Year 8, Day 202: Psalm 57


Theological Commentary: Click Here



I think one of the aspects of David that I respect the most is his ability to always see.  I’m not talking about his ability to use his eyes.  What I’m talking about is his ability to use his mind.  To put it in the most confusing way possible, what David sees often doesn’t match what David sees.



When David, the greatest Hebrew king of all time, looks out with his eyes he sees a bleak picture.  People are always trying to usurp him.  They want his power.  They want his throne.  They want his power.  They want his prestige.  If there is anything true about being at the top, it’s that you have everyone else’s bull's-eye on your back.  That’s David’s reality every day.  It’s hard to be king and go through a day not wondering who is gunning to take you down.



In fact, David had good reason to fear!  In spite of being able to do some great things through faith – killing Goliath comes to mind – his reign was filled with valleys.  His son revolts.  The nations around him rise up against him.  His own subject plot against him.  The other tribes wrestle with being ruled by a Judahite.



Having said that, read the words in this psalm.  Yes, the pain of life is there.  The words, however, paint a different picture.  David sees hope.  David sees a reason to sing!  David finds reason to believe and be steadfast.  David finds reason to praise God!



It really is a matter of perspective.  David could easily have turned angry and bitter.  He could have become suspicious and cold.  He could have built emotion brick walls within spiritual ones.  But that isn’t what he does.  David continues to turn to God, find joy and peace, and then bring that light to life.



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