Exalt Him
Psalm 57 (KJV)
Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.
2 I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.
3 He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth.
4 My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.
5 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth.
6 They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen themselves. Selah.
7 My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.
8 Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.
9 I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations.
10 For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.
11 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth.
Exalt Him
In Psalm 57, we find David in the dank darkness of a cave, fleeing from Saul. Even in this state of fear, uncertainty and isolation, David lifts up his voice to exalt God. Amidst these dire circumstances, David acknowledges the incomparable reign, honor and power of the Lord. The more he lifts the praises and worship to God, the more his spirits are elevated high above the heavens. David seeks the Lord’s mercy for his soul trusts in Him. David always prays to God, turning to the one who alone can save him. David, like a frightened bird, finds refuge in the shadows of God’s wings. He knows, there, he is safe from harm until the calamities are over. He may literally be in the belly of a cave, but spiritually he rests peacefully in the Lord’s hands. David states, “I will cry unto God Most High, unto God who performeth all things for me” (57:2). David relies on his past experiences of deliverance by God’s hands. He finds faith in knowing what God can do. “He shall send from heaven and save me from those who would swallow me up” (57:3).
God shall send forth His mercy and His truth. David declares not only victory in battle with carnal weapons, but knows that God will show His mercy and that David was on the side of truth. Righteousness will overcome evil. David evokes imagery of being surrounded by lions, with sharp teeth. One is reminded how Daniel must have felt in the lion’s den. Amazingly, David again lifts up words of high honor to God. “Thy glory be above all the earth” (57:5). It is if David is saying God’s power is above anything man can do to him on this earth. Even in the face of death, he submits his soul to God. “My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed,”(57:7). David’s trust in God is unwavering. He is going to sing and play instruments of psaltery and harp. David foretells that he will be rescued from these circumstances and ultimately praise God among the people and the nations. What a vision of faith and hope in the power of the almighty God! David’s spirits soar as he ends the Psalm. “Be thy exalted, O God above the heavens, let thy glory be above all the earth” (57:11).
Jesus said “if I be lifted up from the earth I will draw all men unto me” (John 12:32). Of course, He was referring to being lifted up on the cross at calvary. His sacrifice made a way for everyone to be saved from sin. But, just like David lifted up the majestic power and might of God in Psalm 57, we Christians also lift up the wonderful name of Jesus our Savior. Like David’s voice reached out to all people and nations, so do the united voices of believers as we obey the great commission. The world is watching, as we face enormous tribulations and trials, to see how we react. Will we run and hide in fear? Will we curse God and blame him for our misfortunes? No. Like David we will declare that all power in heaven and earth belongs to Jesus. That we find refuge in His love, mercy and truth. Whether in a cave or on a mountaintop we will lift Him up, exalting His name forever.
Debra Hill
Debra Hill is an independent inspirational singer, author, songwriter, and writer. As a blind performer, she adds a personal story of God’s faithfulness. Her life exemplifies that Christ’s power will work to lift all regardless of circumstances.
Special Thanks to Elizabeth Baber and Dr. Shakira for all that you do to make it happen.
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