Praying Against Darkness

Psalm 59

             Once again, David has reason to fear for his life. Men sent by Saul, his father-in-law and longtime nemesis hid in the dark to capture and kill David. David’s wife, Michal (the daughter of Saul) recognized her father’s men. With Michal’s aid David successfully eluded this threat on his life.

            David moves from praying against the few that Saul had sent to a general prayer against all the enemies who stood against him, and against God’s people. The repeated refrain of the psalm (vs 6-7, 14-15) reminds us that night, darkness, seem to be the cloak for those who would act on evil impulses. Vs 4 and vs 16 are reminders that dawn scatters darkness. As the darkness of evil fades in the light of God’s presence praise is always appropriate.

            Most of us have never been scrutinized as was David.  Our homes have not been surrounded by those who seek to destroy us. However, in a sense all who believe are constantly surrounded by evil. It may not be in the form of threats on our life. It may not be  enemies acting as a pack of dogs (scavengers). Yet the enemy is ever present. Peter, one of Jesus’ followers likens our enemy to a roaring lion seeking to devour (1 Peter 5:8).             Harassed by enemies within and without David managed to find words of praise. He acknowledges God as his ‘Strength’(vs 9, 17, ESV) or Stronghold (HCSB). Even as David on the run he never lost sight of God’s ultimate purpose: “Then people will know throughout the earth that God rules over Jacob. Selah” (Psalm 59:13, HCSB). To long for God to rule, even when darkness reveals the presence of our enemies, is to know that whatever may come, God will be known, God will be praised.