What if someone had you followed to your house and attempted to kill you twice?   What if that someone was your father-in-law?  How would you respond?  This describes how King Saul treated his son-in-law David. 1 Samuel 19 tells us the story to which Psalm 59 refers.  The introduction to Psalm 59 again tells us it is a song of David “when Saul had sent men to watch David’s house to kill him.” 

David trusted the Lord while men were outside his house trying to kill him.  Twice he said to the Lord, “You are my strength. I watch for you.  You, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely. (vv. 9-10, 17).  Would that be your response if armed men were lurking outside your front door waiting for the best opportunity to kill you?  David knew God would be his deliverer (vv. 1-9) and deliverer (vv. 10-17). 

In verses 1-2, David cried out specific prayer requests to the Lord to “Deliver me.”  He was being attacked, and these attackers wanted his blood.  He asked God to “be my fortress” and “save me.”  We should also lift specific prayer requests and ask God to meet particular needs.  General prayers such as “Protect me, help me, strengthen me” are great, but exactly why do you need protection, help, and strength?  Tell it to God!  Get detailed!  David went on to pray it appears in the moment.  He could see them outside as he probably looked through the window – “See how they lie in wait for me” (v. 3).  They even came back again at night to kill him (v. 6). They were mercenaries (“fierce men” v. 3).  They were slanders spewing vicious filth about David (v. 12).  They were prowling dogs eating out of the garbage (vv. 14-15).  David pleaded his innocence (vv. 3-4), praised his Lord (v. 5a), and asked God to help (v. 5b) in his prayer of deliverance. 

God heard their evil plot against David (vv. 7-8). While they schemed and prowled (v. 6), God laughed (v. 8). He would “uproot them and bring them down” (v. 11) because He is the mighty judge.  Our God goes before us (v. 10).  He fights for us (v. 13a).  He reveals His mighty power (v. 13b).  We need only patiently wait, pray, trust, and worship our “fortress and refuge in time of trouble” (v. 16).  Knowing we have a God “on whom I can rely” (vv. 9-10, 17) gives us great confidence.  Although David described his attackers, God knew who they were.  David’s description of the Lord far surpasses that of his enemies.  God is a fortress, savior, almighty, deliverer, reliable, helper, present, mighty, just, ruling, strong, loving, and a refuge.  Stop focusing on the enemy around God and praise the God inside of you!

Questions:

1. Are you more focused on the enemy or the Lord?
2. When you pray, do you think God is unaware of your situation?
3. Have you taken the time in worship to list all the wonderful attributes of the Lord?

Prayer:

Lord, I trust You even when the enemy surrounds me.  When they are near, You are closer.  When their words are fierce, Your Word trumps them all.  When their characteristics seem frightful, I will remember Your holy character.  I can entirely rely on You and therefore will not fear!  Thank You for Your protection, deliverance, love, and justice.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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stephenrharrison

Stephen and his wife Haley have called Arkansas home all of their lives. Stephen has served in several ministry roles over the last 25 years and as a lead pastor for the last 8 years. Stephen attended Williams Baptist College and earned a BA in Biblical Studies from Ouachita Baptist University, an MA, MDiv, and DMin in Christian Leadership and Pastoral Ministries from Liberty University. When not pastoring, Stephen enjoys running, cycling, reading, writing, camping, fishing, and spending time with his family.