INTRODUCTION -Read Psalm 59, 1 Samuel 19:1-12
Saul always had a jealous, troubled soul; and David's popularity was fuel was for his temper. But instead of dealing with it - taking it to God, he tried six times to kill David. This psalm was written during one of these times, when Saul had sent his soldiers to David's home to kill him.
He was determined to be David's enemy, and even his son Jonathon found this hard to understand. Jonathon was David's friend, and in Jonathon's eyes, David had done nothing wrong against his father - in fact quite the opposite.
"Jonathon spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, "Let not the king do wrong to his servant David; he has not wronged you; what he has done has benefited you greatly. He took his life in his hands when he killed the Philistine. The Lord won a victory for all Israel, and you saw it and was glad. Why then would you do wrong to an innocent man David by killing him for no reason?" 1 Samuel 19:4-5 (NIV)
David was a good soldier, he played music for Saul when he needed spiritual healing. He behaved wisely and with integrity. In fact, David was `prospering in all his ways because the Lord was with him.". (1 Samuel 18:14)
But maybe this was the problem - Saul saw that God was on David's side and it was more than his jealous spirit could take. `He lived in fear, worry and paranoia' as he was living a life without God. Saul's goals were were all full of pride - `to make Israel bigger and better'; but even these had `become twisted as he focused on making David's life miserable'. (C.Swindoll, 1997,pg 113)
David could have retaliated, but instead HE PRAYED! He didn't understand, he was afraid, and he was maybe even a little bit angry; but because of his closer and personal relationship with the Lord, which Saul envied more than anything else, he was able to take everything to his God - HIS REFUGE, HIS STRENGTH, HIS FORTRESS, HIS DELIVER.
GOD - OUR REFUGE, OUR STRENGTH, OUR FORTRESS, OUR DELIVER -
Read Verses 1-10
My enemy is myself - the evildoers that are attacking me are those evil thoughts. They are there in the morning when I wake up, and there at the end of the day when I drive and find peace for sleep. I feel like I have done no wrong, yet I still feel so guilty. What I know is learning and training, I see as only trouble. I am afraid of failure. My enemies are just attacking me like fierce animals! I need God to me my FORTRESS and MY REFUGE. I know that MY STRENGTH only comes from Him. I can only rely on Him, for He is my only DELIVERANCE.
The men sent to watch David were determined - just like dogs. They didn't give up. David's response to these dogs was real fear, yet he knew God was not afraid - He was laughing - GOD WAS STRONGER, God had the `UPPER HAND'. David declared his confidence, that God was `ALL MERCIFUL' - and would meet him in his need, just as I have that same confidence that He meets mine.
"You are my strength, I watch for you; You God, are my fortress, My God on whom I rely. God will go before me and let me gloat over those who slander me," PSALM 59:9&10 (NIV)
GIVE GOD THE GLORY - Read Verses 11-17
David did not want to see people killed, but he wanted to see them defeated. He wanted them to learn lessons from God Himself. He is great, loving and faithful. Whether it is in the morning or evening, whatever time of day, just like David we can lift our hearts to glorify our God.
The dogs may return, but David would continue to sing of God's power and mercy. David's trust would grow and his praises would continue. He would praise and worship Him for the victories still to come!
CONCLUSION
Is your war within or without? Are the enemies fighting your will or your way? Decide now, which weapons to fight with, and who you will take your battles to. TAKE UP GOD'S WORD, PRAY WITH A HEART OF WORSHIP, and remember, LET GOD HAVE HIS WAY!
GUZIK, David 2015, `Praise to My High Tower Against Assassins" - Enduring Word.com.
SWINDOLL, Charles 1997, "David, a Man of Passion & Destiny", Tyndale House Publishers
FURTICK, Stephen, 2017, "David Series", Elevation Church
NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, 2011, Biblica Inc.
