O my Strength, I will watch for you,
for you, O God, are my fortress. (Psalm 59:9)
In this psalm, David is under hostile surveillance. King Saul has sent men to watch David, to spy out an opportunity to kill him. He describes these men as evil, bloodthirsty, and fierce. This is no idle threat against his life, but a very real attempt at his demise.
These evil, bloodthirsty, fierce men are watching his house, looking for an opportunity to catch David unaware and alone, so they can kill him. And they’re not real subtle about it either. David says they are like howling dogs, “bellowing with their mouths”.
I don’t think I’ve ever faced opposition like this in my life. The king sent these men. This would be like having the President issue an executive order sending the FBI around to watch you, with orders to shoot to kill if they get a clear shot. This would be a bit of a tight spot.
So what does David do? What would you do? It would be easy to respond in fear, afraid for your life. Anger would also be an understandable response. You know what David does? He tells us in verses 16. He sings!
But I will sing of your strength;
I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. (Psalm 59:16)
Why? How? His situation is desperate. How is he able to sing for joy? Why would he do something like that? Shouldn’t he be hiding, or running, or fighting?
Verse 9 tells us why.
O my Strength, I will watch for you,
for you, O God, are my fortress. (Psalm 59:9)
David responds with no apparent regard for the evil, bloodthirsty, fierce men who are stalking him, because he’s not looking at them. He’s looking at God. His focus is on God, not his circumstances. They are watching for him to move, he is watching for God to move.
Reading this reminded me of Peter getting out of the boat and walking on the water. As long as he was looking at Christ, he was OK.
But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” (Matthew 14:30)
David doesn’t seem to falter like Peter, at least not in this episode. He keeps his gaze on the Lord and fear does not overtake him. With his eyes on God, he laughs at trouble and rejoices in song, for God is his fortress.
This is not to say that you will enjoy peace and prosperity all your days. David certainly didn’t. He spent a lot of time hiding out in caves because King Saul was trying to kill him. He spent a good many years on the run, sometimes hungry, always in danger. But during the times when he kept his gaze fixed on God, he was free from fear and anxiety. Free to rejoice and sing for joy, even in the midst of trouble.
When you are facing trouble and difficulty in your life, lift your gaze to the Lord. Look for joy in His steadfast love. Don’t let the enemy rule you with fear. Instead, join David in crying out to the Lord,
Oh my Strength, I will watch for you,
for you, O God, are my fortress. (Psalm 59:9)
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