Psalm 57
My family visited Carlsbad Caverns when I was around ten or eleven. Our guide took great care in pointing out the unique features of the huge cave. The Great Room in the cave is over eight acres in size. What I remember most vividly, though, is when the lights were turned off and those of us on the tour were plunged into the deepest darkness I’d ever experienced.
Psalm 57 begins with David in a cave. Though it wasn’t as large as the caves in the New Mexico region I’d visited it was just as dark. David was in the cave hiding from Saul who was seeking to kill David. Saul, chosen by God to serve as king, had been told by Samuel (a judge/prophet) that due to his sinful choices he had thrown away any chance of his family continuing to reign. Saul refused to accept God’s verdict and saw in David a direct threat to his family’s ability to keep the throne.
David, chosen by God as king even as Saul continued to serve, spent years running from Saul. This prayer finds David in darkness, physically and spiritually. Hiding from Saul, maintaining a small army of faithful followers, caring for his own family have drained David.
David cries out for God’s mercy ‘till the storms of destruction pass by.’ Even as the storm rages David calls for more than God’s mercy. Note vs 5 and 11: “God, be exalted above the heavens; let Your glory be over the whole earth.” (HCSB)
Instead of darkness David delighted in a light that transcends physical light: the glory of God. There are days of darkness in our lives. God, in His glory, fully revealed swallows up the darkness.
WINSTON COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 