Introduction: ‘In God I Trust’ is the title of this Psalm. It was written at least in his mind and prayer-life when he was acting ‘insanely’ to protect himself from an enemy amongst whom he was living. They couldn’t help but remember his fighting ability from past encounters with him! The story is told 1 Samuel 21.
1 Be gracious to me, O God, for man tramples on me;
all day long an attacker oppresses me
2 my enemies trample on me all day long,
for many attack me proudly.
3 When I am afraid,
I put my trust in you.
4 In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.
What can flesh do to me?
5 All day long they injure my cause;
all their thoughts are against me for evil.
6 They stir up strife, they lurk;
they watch my steps,
as they have waited for my life.
7 For their crime will they escape?
In wrath cast down the peoples, O God!
8 You have kept count of my tossings;
put my tears in your bottle.
Are they not in your book?– this is an interesting thought! Not only does God know the hairs on our heads, but He collects tears that we shed!! He keeps a record of them!
9 Then my enemies will turn back
in the day when I call.
This I know, that God is for me. – This is hyper-super- important to know for sure! Can everyone say it truthfully?
10 In God, whose word I praise,
in the LORD, whose word I praise,
11 in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.
What can man do to me? – Remember that David is under suspicion by the Philistines, who could easily have killed him and his company; he is also being sought by Saul, who desperately wanted to exterminate David.
12 I must perform my vows to you, O God;
I will render thank offerings to you.
13 For you have delivered my soul from death,
yes, my feet from falling,
that I may walk before God
in the light of life. – How often we forget what God has done for us! I’m not sure if the ending was added after David escaped from this particular difficult time or if he was going to offer his sacrifices because God deserves our worship and thanks whether we get delivered from difficulty or God allows us to go through difficulty and even to death! There is after all the potential of life with Him forever!
James 1:12 – Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Prayer: Please help me, train me, urge me to be faithful until the end!
As I read it! 