Day 174

When in Danger

Read: Psalms 54-58

Psalm 54 is David’s cry to God for help when he was betrayed by men of his own tribe who had told Saul where he could find David. From time to time all of us find ourselves in difficult situations. The place to turn is where David turned, to God. While the occasion is not specified, Psalm 55 is another response of David when he feels betrayed. Again he cries out to God for help. The fact that it was a close friend who betrayed him reminds us of the painful experience of Christ, betrayed by one of his own disciples.

David was so desperate at being hunted by Saul that he fled to Gath, the home town of Goliath, of all places. There he was seized by the Philistines and again in great danger. He cried out to God for help in Psalm 56: “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you” (v. 3 ESV). Every one of us has fears. Here is what we should do with them.

Hiding in a cave while Saul is seeking to find him to kill him, David writes Psalm 57, and once again expresses faith that God will take care of him in this dangerous situation.

In Psalm 58, David cries out against the injustice perpetrated by evil leaders. Because he believes in a God who is righteous, he is assured that the time will come when these tyrants will fall.

PRAYER
Father, in our times of fear, remind us of your wonderful promises to take care of us. In Christ. Amen.