May 20, 2023 - Psalms 58-62

The Psalms in this section are largely David’s cries to the Lord as he flees from Saul when Saul is seeking to kill him or from other enemies. He is persecuted without cause: “For behold, they lie in wait for my life; fierce men stir up strife against me. For no transgression or sin of mine, O Lord, for no fault of mine, they run and make ready” (59:3,4). What makes the treachery by Saul so terrible is that it is treachery by a trusted friend. He is constantly harassed and persecuted by his king, though he is innocent. But here’s David’s hope: “O my Strength, I will watch for you, for you, O God, are my fortress” (59:9). & “For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken” (62:1-2) & “Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us” (62:8). We don’t know who penned the following but the songwriter certainly got it right!

My soul in silence waits for God,

My Saviour he has proved;

He only is my Rock and Tow’r;

I never shall be moved.

On him, ye people, evermore

Rely with confidence;

Before him pour ye out your heart,

For God is our defense.

For God has spoken o'er and o'er,

And unto me has shown,

That saving pow’r and lasting strength

Belong to him alone. –Anonymous (1912)