Psalm 57:1-3
Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me,
for in you I take refuge.
I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings
until the disaster has passed.I cry out to God Most High,
to God, who vindicates me.
He sends from heaven and saves me,
rebuking those who hotly pursue me—
God sends forth his love and his faithfulness.
Ephesians 6:10-12
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Devotion
Last week we looked at a Lament Psalm. This week we are focusing on a Fight Psalm. Growing up we all learned our high school fight song. How many of you can actually remember the words to your high school fight song? Psalm 57 is one of David’s fight Psalms. Here David is asking God to enter the field of battle with him. It is important to note that throughout Scripture, God invites us to make our battles His battles and to trust Him with the outcome. The problem sometimes is that we fail to let go and trust God! We hold onto control and keep on trying to win the battle in our own strength.
In Psalm 57, the first thing David does is name his champion. God is mentioned numerous times throughout this Psalm. God had been David’s Hero throughout his life. Even when David went into battle against Goliath he declared, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will hand you over to me, and I will strike you down…” Notice that David recognizes that the victory he is about to win belongs to the Lord. He is not taking credit for this victory. Instead he gives credit where credit is due.
Questions to Ponder:
Who is your hero? When you are battling through life’s trials, who do you turn to for help? Are you able to let go and trust God with whatever battle you are facing? If not, why not?
Prayer Points
- Pray for yourself and our church family, that we will write out at least 1 Fight Song this week.
- Thank the LORD that He wants us to come to Him in prayer, unedited. Thank Him that He wants us to give him the details of our battle.
- Praise God for those in your inner circle, your 2am friends, that you can also share, trust, and pray with. Pray for everyone at our church to have at least one “2 am friend.” If you do not have one then ask the LORD to bring someone to your mind whom you can ask.
Suggested Prayer
God, You are the all-powerful God, Creator, Sustainer, Strong Tower, and my Refuge. I hide myself under the shadow of Your wings, for You, oh God, are my Shield and my Protector. You are the God of the universe and You are so loving, kind, gentle, faithful, and committed to me!
Forgive me Father for times I have been silent or was hiding from You when in the battle. Forgive me for the times I have been passive or have done things in my own strength as I try to control, manipulate, and navigate the battle.
I ask that today You would teach me and Your church how to pray, sing, and write out our Fight Songs to help us call out to You, to the One and only who listens and acts. Help me to learn to talk to You in prayer so that I can: 1. call out to You. 2. name the enemy and then share the feeling, what is happening, and what I need You to do to help. 3. Then setting my heart toward determination to “sing to You” even in the tension of situations that are not changing. Help me to trust in Your faithfulness and loving kindness. To desire for You to be high and lifted up in all I do. I pray all of this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Extra
There are 16 total “Fight Psalms” or Psalms of Trouble. Psalm 35, 55, 56, 57 are 4 out of the 16. Write them in your bible so you remember.