Create in Me a Clean Heart: The 40-Day Challenge (Psalms)Sample

Focus Your Heart on God

Psalm 57

After escaping from Saul’s men, David sought refuge in a cave - crying out to God, his only hope to deliver him from his current situation. Faith and a steadfast heart, even in a life-threatening situation, lead to an incredible shift - from cries of despair, to giving sincere praise and glory to God.

Under the pressure of life, we fear the outcome of our difficult situations. Often this fear leads us to despair. And when we have exhausted all our strength, we come to the only hope - God.

Each of our difficult situations represents an opportunity, instead of lamenting, to have confidence in God’s willingness and power to protect us. We do this by directing our hearts toward Him. Focusing the heart means choosing not to give in to circumstances and to your emotional states. What’s more, it means redirecting your heart, even when it wants to wander!

While crying out to God, we must be aware that this is not a stage we want to stay in. We want more to come, like David, to praise and glorify God regardless of our circumstances.

When we go down into our caves, we cry out to God in our sorrow, pain and trouble. Then we can climb out again with faith - worshiping, rejoicing and giving thanks to God. And then we realize that true joy comes from what is happening in our hearts, not from what surrounds us. Our hearts dictate our joy.

Although the psalm begins with a troubled heart, it ends in triumphant praise. In all circumstances, and in every cave, we can find comfort, joy and celebration in the risen Christ. Anchored in God, our whole being can turn difficult situations into opportunities for lasting joy. It is a great privilege!