My chronological Bible reading plan brought me back to the Psalms this morning. David is still on the run from Saul, who is hunting him like an animal. Malicious witnesses are testifying against David about crimes not even he knew he committed. These witnesses were people that David had invested his life into; what betrayal. In addition, total strangers to David are seeking his head. He has no idea where the next attempt on his life will come from. There is a massive effort underway to destroy David!
As I read these four Psalms, chapters 17, 35, 54, and 63, what stood out to me was how they started. Chapter 17: Hear my plea. Chapter 35: Oppose those who oppose me. Chapter 54: O God, save me. Chapter 63: O God, You are my God! In other words, David says to God, “Hear me, defend me, save me, you are my God!”
As I thought about David’s cry to God to hear his plea, I wondered: has God heard from me, and does God hear me? Who is the first to hear from us when trouble comes upon us? Who is the first one that we tell? Is it God? But God already knows, doesn’t He? Yes! God doesn’t need us to come to Him because He doesn’t know; we need to cry out to Him for our sake. Cast that burden on Him, for He cares for you! And then, does God hear us? Yes! Notice David’s confidence in God.
I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my words. (Psalm 17:6, ESV)
David’s next request is for God to defend him. He knows he has no ability or opportunity to defend himself. The false narratives are overwhelming against him. He is finding out he is guilty of crimes not even he knew about (Psalm 35:11)! This is hard—false accusations that are taken for facts and no ability or opportunity to counter them (Psalm 35:22-25)! What is one to do? Though it can be trying, we can rest in this: God will defend us. David rested his case before God by saying, “Who else is there?” (Psalm 35:9-10) In time, God will turn evil on its head and vindicate the righteous.
Save me or help me is David’s next emphasis. Though everything was against him, David survived! God helped him through the trouble, not from the trouble. God upheld David during this time; He did not spare David from this time. Notice David’s testimony.
Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life. (Psalm 54:4, ESV)
Where do we look for help, and what kind of help do we look for? In situations like this, there is only one place to look, and there is only one kind of help that can genuinely help us—God (Psalm 121:1-2). Now He can help!
Last, David said, “You are my God.” Did David say this after everything had been made right and corrected, justice handed out, his name cleared, etc.? No. He said this while he was thirsty, exiled to a parched and dry land where there was no water (Psalm 63:1). David says God’s love was better than life itself, that he would praise God as long as he lived, that God satisfied him more than the richest feast (Psalm 63:3-5). Wow! Praise from a parched mouth! It starts with a cry to God; it continues with leaning on God for our defense and help, which produces praise amid some barren and parched days. Let us rejoice in our God!
Thank you for joining with me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from Psalms 17; 35; 54; 63.