For the Chief Musician. To the tune "Do Not Destroy." A miktam by David, when Sha'ul sent, and they watched the house to kill him.
1 Deliver me from my enemies, my God. Set me on high from those who rise up against me.
2 Deliver me from the workers of iniquity. Save me from the bloodthirsty men.
3 For, behold, they lie in wait for my soul. The mighty gather themselves together against me, Not for my disobedience, nor for my sin, LORD.
4 I have done no wrong, yet they are ready to attack me. Rise up, behold, and help me!
5 You, LORD God Tzva'ot, the God of Yisra'el, Rouse yourself to punish the nations. Show no mercy to the wicked traitors. Selah.
6 They return at evening, howling like dogs, And prowl around the city.
7 Behold, they spew with their mouth. Swords are in their lips, "For," they say, "who hears us?"
8 But you, LORD, laugh at them. You scoff at all the nations.
9 Oh, my Strength, I watch for you, For God is my high tower.
10 My God will go before me with his lovingkindness. God will let me look at my enemies in triumph.
11 Don't kill them, or my people may forget. Scatter them by your power, and bring them down, Lord our shield.
12 For the sin of their mouth, and the words of their lips, Let them be caught in their pride, For the curses and lies which they utter.
13 Consume them in wrath. Consume them, and they will be no more. Let them know that God rules in Ya`akov, To the ends of the eretz. Selah.
14 At evening let them return. Let them howl like a dog, and go around the city.
15 They shall wander up and down for food, And wait all night if they aren't satisfied.
16 But I will sing of your strength. Yes, I will sing aloud of your lovingkindness in the morning. For you have been my high tower, A refuge in the day of my distress.
17 To you, my strength, I will sing praises. For God is my high tower, the God of my mercy. [Psalms 59:1-17 HNV]
Many years ago, my father and I hiked through Big Bend in Texas. It’s a national park now, but in those days it was rough country.
One night we were rolling out our sleeping bags when a couple with a dog asked if they could camp nearby. We welcomed their company and turned in for the night. They tethered their dog to a stake beside their tent.
Some hours later my father nudged me awake and turned his flashlight into the darkness. Illuminated by the light, we saw pairs of yellow eyes peering out of the shadows. A pack of snapping and snarling coyotes were closing in on the dog. Although we chased them off and our neighbors put the dog in their tent, we slept fitfully.
I think of that night when I read Psalm 59 and David’s twice-repeated imagery: “At evening they return, they growl like a dog” (vv.6,14). David was thinking of Saul’s army that was closing in on him. I think, however, of the thoughts that return to menace us. They come back at nightfall, snapping and snarling: “You’re stupid.” “You’re a failure.” “You’re useless.” “Who needs you?”
When we have such thoughts, we can revel in God’s unconditional, unending love. His steady devotion is our refuge in the dark night of self-doubt and fear (v.16).
Dear Lord, I am so thankful that You love me
unconditionally. Please chase away destructive thoughts
that keep returning to take away my confidence in You
and Your work in me. I want to rest in You and Your love.
