#DailyDevotion The LORD’s Loftiness Makes Him Eminently Immanant
Psalm 57 4But I myself must lie down among lions — men who devour. Their teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongues are sharp swords.
Even though God hears our prayers and sends mercy and steadfast love, David still must lie down among lions, i.e. men who devour. These are people whose mouths are used for evil and not for good. We also are set among many people who do not have our best interest or anyone else’s interest in their hearts. They only look after themselves. These are unfortunately people at jobs we work at or organizations we belong. They are looking for power for themselves and whatever they say or to it is for their own self-promotion. It’s tough working in places like this. We must constantly be putting our help in the LORD.
5You are high above the heavens, O God, and Your glory is over all the earth.
This is in contrast to the previous verse. Is it good news or is it a complaint? If it is a complaint, it would be like, You’re way up there so separated from me and my problems. If it is Gospel, then it is, from Your viewpoint, you can see everything and this thing is not escaping your sight. I know You are going to do something about it at some time.
6They prepared a net for my feet; my soul is bowed down. They dug a pit in front of me; then they fell into it.
It seems from this verse that the previous verse was Gospel. Because men are preparing for my destruction, my soul is weighed down. It doesn’t matter how much you trust in the LORD to be there for you and how much you trust He is going to deliver you, this stuff weighs down upon our hearts. There is only so much we can take and still have a “positive” attitude. In Mark 9:19 Jesus said, “How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you?” responding to our unfaithfulness. Even Jesus got worn down by things in His human flesh. It doesn’t mean you are unfaithful.
We see what happened to David’s enemies. They fell into the pit they had dug for David. God had seen what they were doing. Eventually, when the time is right, He provides for them to reap what they have sown. It is difficult to wait for the LORD. He has all wisdom and insight. He knows when things are at their best for Him to act on our behalf. Feel free to complain about His timing but keep putting your trust in Him.
7I am confident, O God, I am confident. I will sing and play music. 8Wake up, my glorious soul! Wake up, O lute and lyre! I will wake up the dawn! 9I will thank You among the nations, O Lord, and play music to praise You among the people, 10because Your kindness is as great as the heavens, and Your faithfulness reaches the clouds. 11You are high above the heavens, O God, and Your glory is over all the earth.
Although David was bowed down in his soul, he continued to put his trust in the LORD. Eventually, when God acted, he sang praises to God. He tells his soul to wake up and give thanks to the LORD. We might need to tell our soul the same thing when downcast. Before it was the LORD’s mercy and steadfast love he praised, now it is His kindness and faithfulness. God being above the heavens and His glory being over the earth is definitely a good thing. It does not mean He is distant from us but rather it makes Him ultimately immanent to us. Nothing escapes His notice or His power and might.
Heavenly Father, from Your throne high above the heavens, look down upon our circumstances and address them with your mercy, kindness, steadfast love and faithfulness. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.