Psalm 57
Finding Shelter in the Shadow of God's Wings
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Intro
In Psalm 57, the psalmist seeks refuge and deliverance from their enemies, finding solace in the shadow of God's wings. As we study this psalm from a New Covenant perspective, we will see how it points to Jesus Christ as the ultimate shelter and source of protection. We will explore the themes of crying out to God in distress, finding security in His presence, and offering praise for His faithfulness.
Section 1: Crying Out to God in Distress (vs 1-4)
"Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. I cry out to God Most High, to God, who vindicates me. He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me— God sends forth his love and his faithfulness. I am in the midst of lions; I am forced to dwell among ravenous beasts— men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords."
Talking Points:
The psalmist's plea for God's mercy and refuge in the face of danger.
The declaration of trust in God's protection and deliverance.
The vivid description of enemies and the perilous situation faced by the psalmist.
Harmony: Hebrews 4:16 (NIV), "Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
Questions:
How does the psalmist's example of crying out to God in distress challenge you to approach Him with confidence and seek His mercy and refuge?
In what ways can we find solace and strength in the shadow of God's wings, trusting in His protection even in the midst of challenging circumstances?
How does Jesus, as the one who intercedes for us and extends God's mercy and grace, provide us with the assurance that we can cry out to Him in our times of need?
Section 2: Finding Security in God's Presence (vs 5-7)
"Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth. They spread a net for my feet—I was bowed down in distress. They dug a pit in my path, but they have fallen into it themselves. My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music."
Talking Points:
The psalmist's call for God's exaltation and the recognition of His glory.
The acknowledgment of the traps and snares set by enemies, but the assurance that they will be caught in their own devices.
The steadfastness of the psalmist's heart, leading to a response of singing and making music.
Harmony: Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV), "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Questions:
How does the psalmist's focus on exalting God and recognizing His glory challenge you to prioritize worship and praise even in the midst of difficult circumstances?
In what ways can we find security and peace in God's presence, knowing that He can turn the schemes of our enemies against them?
How does Jesus, as the one who guards our hearts and minds with His peace, enable us to stand steadfast and respond with songs of praise, even when faced with adversity?
Section 3: Offering Praise for God's Faithfulness (vs 8-11)
"Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth."
Talking Points:
The psalmist's call to awaken their soul and instruments for praise.
The intention to proclaim God's praise among the nations and peoples.
The acknowledgment of God's great love and faithfulness, leading to a declaration of His exaltation.
Harmony: Revelation 5:13 (NIV), "Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: 'To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!'"
Questions:
How does the psalmist's call to awaken their soul and instruments for praise inspire you to offer heartfelt worship and proclamation of God's greatness?
In what ways can we declare God's love and faithfulness to the nations and peoples, reflecting His glory to the world around us?
How does Jesus, as the Lamb who is worthy of all praise and honor, encourage us to exalt God and make His glory known through our lives?
Summary
Psalm 57, viewed through the lens of the New Covenant in Christ, expresses the psalmist's cry for God's mercy and refuge in times of trouble, finding its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus.
The psalmist's plea for God's mercy and protection reflects our own need for Jesus' grace and His role as our Savior and Redeemer (Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 2:11).
The psalmist's description of God as the Most High and His steadfast love and faithfulness aligns with our understanding of Jesus as the Son of God, full of grace and truth (John 1:14, Colossians 1:15).
The psalmist's acknowledgment of God's salvation and His faithfulness prefigures Jesus' work on the cross, through which He provided salvation and reconciliation for all who believe in Him (1 Timothy 1:15, 1 Peter 2:24).
The psalmist's determination to sing praises and exalt God echoes our own response of worship and gratitude for Jesus' sacrifice and His triumph over sin and death (Revelation 5:9-13).
The psalmist's trust in God's refuge and deliverance points to Jesus as our strong tower and the source of our safety and peace (Proverbs 18:10, John 14:27).
Ultimately, Psalm 57 directs us to Jesus as our Savior, Protector, and the object of our praise, inviting us to find solace and strength in Him, especially in times of trouble and distress.