Psalm 57: 1-11
One of the greatest blessings God gives to His children is the blessing of stability in times of great disturbance and change. The Psalmist’s testimony in verse 7 is the testimony God wants all of His children to give all of the time. “My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed…” Can you say that today in the midst of your present circumstances? Things may seem to be out of control as far as we are concerned, but God’s hand is not shortened that it cannot save nor his ear heavy that it cannot hear. The believer with a heart that is fixed will be a believer who will be singing and giving praise (v. 7b).
Even as the Spirit of God led the Psalmist to write these words, he was experiencing great stress and danger (v. 4). There were those who would gladly swallow him up if they could (v. 3). They made every preparation possible to rid themselves of the presence and testimony of God’s servant, David (v. 6). The faithful believer today often faces equally dangerous and threatening circumstances. But, it is in the midst of those very circumstances that we can and should echo the words of the Psalmist, “My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed…”
Many reasons are given in the Scriptures why God’s children may experience peace and confidence in the midst of the storm, but note the following in this Psalm:
(1) To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave. Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. (2) I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me. (3) He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth. (4) My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword. (5) Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth. (6) They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen themselves. Selah. (7) My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise. (8) Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early. (9) I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations. (10) For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds. (11) Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth.
- God is merciful and those who trust in Him experience His mercies and enjoy the refuge that He alone can provide. Such a refuge is not just temporary, but one which lasts as long as needed (v. 1).
- The believer’s confidence is based on God’s abiding, enduring mercy, and upon the truth of God which has no limits or limitations (v. 10). Today, many attacks are being made on the Bible, which is God’s written truth; but all of those attacks are bound to fail. Jesus said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Matthew 24:35). The believer’s heart is fixed because it is based upon God’s truth which is forever settled in heaven. What a wonderful assurance.
This Psalm ends in an expression of praise to God and a desire to exalt God and His glory above all else (v. 11). May this portion of God’s Holy Word bring blessing to all who may be experiencing those times of shaking which comes from the world, the flesh, and the devil. May we join the Psalmist in saying, “My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise” (v. 7).
