Psalms 56
Psalms 56:1-13 (NLT)
1 For the choir director: A psalm of David, regarding the time the Philistines seized him in Gath. To be sung to the tune “Dove on Distant Oaks.” O God, have mercy on me, for people are hounding me. My foes attack me all day long.
2 I am constantly hounded by those who slander me, and many are boldly attacking me.
3 But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.
4 I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?
5 They are always twisting what I say; they spend their days plotting to harm me.
6 They come together to spy on me—watching my every step, eager to kill me.
7 Don’t let them get away with their wickedness; in your anger, O God, bring them down.
8 You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.
9 My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help. This I know: God is on my side!
10 I praise God for what he has promised; yes, I praise the LORD for what he has promised.
11 I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?
12 I will fulfill my vows to you, O God, and will offer a sacrifice of thanks for your help.
13 For you have rescued me from death; you have kept my feet from slipping. So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light.
The power of mortals to inflict their damage and carry out their threats is completely overcome by the one who has God on their side. By running to Him and proclaiming His faithfulness in the middle of their attacks, the One who cares for us from a throne of overwhelming strength and collects the tears from our anguish is more than able and willing to thwart their intentions. By recounting His salvation and standing on His promises, there is a way to a flooding light of hope even when the darkness is impregnable.