God to the Rescue
My campaign for City Council continues to move forward. Yesterday I had an interview with the local newspaper, The Coloradoan. I have also earned the endorsement of the Chamber of Commerce. Tomme Scheffel has just completed some work on a video promoting my campaign. You can see a “sneak preview” of the draft at
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “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 ESV
David knew what it was like to trust in the Lord and to seek Him in the face of fierce opposition. Some psalms may seem like they are only for the person with a “trouble-free” life. But we know clearly from David’s history and words of many psalms that he felt beleaguered from the attacks of enemies without and disloyalty within.
What we can observe and need to learn in our lives is to keep the Lord in our focus. When we feel alone, we are not. When we feel forsaken, God is there. When we feel that the “enemies” of our life are winning. God is ready to act.
David begins this psalm with this plea, “Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise up against me…” Psalm 39:1 ESV) He details the actions of those against him and how they are “sneaky” and relentless in their antagonism.
But instead of focusing on the “opposition” David chooses to focus on the Lord and to seek Him. He reminds himself how God views that “opposition.” “But you, O Lord, laugh at them; you hold all the nations in derision.” (Psalm 59:8 ESV) David then resolves to be patient in waiting on the Lord to act, being confident of the Lord’s love and God’s ultimate victory for him.
This psalm moves on in its contrast between David’s enemies and God; David’s enemies and his response. As he speaks more about the actions of his enemies, he makes this resolve, “But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress.” (Psalm 59:16 ESV)
David is determined to see God as the One who sustains and rescues. He will even “sing” to God in the midst of his fears and discouragement. What the Lord had been to him in the past, He would be to him in the future. The protection that God had provided, he is confident that He will once again provide. So, instead of panicked prayer, we see confident praise.
“O my Strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love.” (Psalm 59:17 ESV)
Prayer for today…. Lord help us to keep our eyes on You and to have confidence in Your help in time of need. Our circumstances are different from David’s, but we can still feel “under attack.” We face challenges and roadblocks to our peace and contentment and enjoyment in life. May our hearts turn to You continually and may we have the faith we need to praise You, even in the midst of fear, apprehension and uncertainty.