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A FIXED HEART (II)
FRIDAY, APRIL 23
Psalm 57:1-5

Exodus 34:5-7

 

“…my soul trusteth

in thee…”

 

A FIXED HEART (II)
 
In order to understand how it is that David was able to fix his heart so securely on God, it behoves us to examine the matter more closely. We may identify two themes in Psalm 57 that can help us here: in the first half (vv 1-5), David relates his trust in God; while in the second half (vv 6-11), he recites his praise to God.
 
The word “trusteth” (v 1) has the idea of seeking shelter, or taking refuge (the same word is used later in the verse, translated “make my refuge”). It pictures one fleeing to a place of safety, in which he knows he will be protected from the storm about him. But whereas the ungodly can think only of earthly help, which is vain (cf. Isa 30:1-3), the psalmist hides in the shadow of the Almighty.
 
David trusted in God’s mercy (v 1). This is an interesting thought, for it is the very same expression used by David in his well-known penitential psalm (Ps 51:1). There, David sought God’s mercy because of his transgressions ‒ yet here, it does not appear that he has committed any sin: he is fleeing from Saul; if anything, it is Saul who needs to plead for God’s mercy! But David recognises that he is a sinner, and constantly in need of mercy. He can never demand help or protection from God. Still, he comes to God with confidence: not in his worth or his prerogative or his righteousness, but in God’s nature. Though an unworthy sinner, he can seek help from a just and holy God, because he knows that God is a merciful God.
 
Dear reader, have you placed your trust in God’s mercy? You and I have nothing of our own to plead, but if we come to God on His terms, we can come boldly. He is a merciful God, and has extended His mercy to all who will believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. When troubled and distressed, then, let us echo the words of David ‒ or, if we may borrow the more contemporary paraphrase in Wesley’s great hymn: “Jesus, lover of my soul, let me to thy bosom fly, while the nearer waters roll, while the tempest still is high: hide me, O my Saviour, hide, till the storm of life is past; safe into the haven guide; O receive my soul at last.”
 
THOUGHT: The basis of my trust is God’s nature, not my merit.

PRAYER: “In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust.” (Ps 31:1; 71:1)

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