Worship: A Study in PsalmsSample

What does it say?

David prayed for God’s protection against the bloodthirsty men who conspired against him. The Lord was his fortress, strength, and refuge in times of trouble.

What does it mean?

David wrote this particular psalm when Michal, his wife, and Saul’s daughter, helped him escape from her father’s men who were waiting to kill David when he stepped outside of his house. The title indicates that this is a miktam – an instructional psalm. David wrote six such psalms (16, 56-60) while on the run from Saul. The word miktam carries the idea of engraving. So although this passage was David’s personal prayer to God, there was something in it that David knew needed to be deeply engraved in the minds and hearts of God’s people. Written in the early days of his fleeing from Saul, David started a habit that can be seen throughout many of his psalms – he prayed honestly to the God of Israel, waited expectantly for the Lord Almighty to act, and praised God’s character in which he found strength.

How should I respond?

What truths has God engraved in your mind and your heart through personal experience? What lessons have you learned during periods of extreme hardship? Those truths and lessons need to be remembered and passed on. Consider keeping a journal during your devotion each day, or jot the date next to a verse that holds special meaning because it gave comfort or encouragement during a difficult time. If God has given you a position of leadership or authority, look for ways to incorporate those life lessons into your instruction. You can pass along what you’ve learned during dinner conversations with your family or lunch with a co-worker or classmate. What scriptural truth do you need to share with someone today?