“Be gracious to me, O God, for man tramples on me;
all day long an attacker oppresses me;
my enemies trample on me…
When I am afraid,
I put my trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.
What can flesh do to me?” Psalm 56:1-4
“Be merciful to me, O God,..
for in you my soul takes refuge;
in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge,
till the storms of destruction pass by.
I cry out to God Most High,
to God who fulfills his purpose for me.
He will send from heaven and save me…
God will send out his steadfast love and faithfulness!
My soul is in the midst of lions;
I lie down amid fiery beasts—
the children of man, whose teeth are spears and arrows,
whose tongues are sharp swords.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!
Let your glory be over all the earth!
They set a net for my steps;
my soul was bowed down.
They dug a pit in my way…
My heart is steadfast, O God,
my heart is steadfast!
I will sing and make melody!
Awake, my glory!
Awake, O harp and lyre!
I will awake the dawn!
I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing praises to you among the nations.” Psalm 57:1-9
“O my Strength, I will watch for you,
for you, O God, are my fortress.
My God in his steadfast love will meet me;
God will let me look in triumph on my enemies…
O my Strength, I will watch for you,
for you, O God, are my fortress.
My God in his steadfast love will meet me;
God will let me look in triumph on my enemies.” Psalm 59:9-10,16-17
“Lead me to the rock
that is higher than I,
for you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the enemy.
Let me dwell in your tent forever!
Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings!” Psalm 61:2b-4
“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
for my hope is from him.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
On God rests my salvation and my glory;
my mighty rock, my refuge is God.” Psalm 62:5-7
From the history recorded in scripture, it can be inferred that David was a skilled warrior and wise, focused king. But his leadership is not all that occupied his life and time. The psalms open his inner life, intensive prayers and passionate pleadings and praise that took hours to record over the decades of his reign. The account of his outward successes (and foibles) is founded upon a deep private relationship with his Lord.
So for all whom God calls. We have tasks and duties, the outward face and responsibilities and action. We can be defined by public victories and personality and measurable accomplishments. But as whole creatures who belong to Him, our invisible but palpable salvation makes a difference, and the health of inner sanctum of our souls is vital to any visible success.
How does my inner communion with the Lord affect my outward life? Where are my trust and God’s wide mercies evident? How fully have I entrusted my life and times into His hands?
Lord, may I continue steadfast in prayer, serve Your bidding, and utilize all You’ve appointed, for Your glory. (Psalms 31:15)
As the rain and snow 