Psalm 56 – In God we trust

David wrote this Psalm for the choir director. It is a mikhtam, a golden song. Psalm 56 is one of the six mikhtams among the Psalms. It is considered a precious composition that’s worth engraving the content on something durable, so as to preserve the song. The emphasis of David in this Psalm was God, who is more than able to take him through his misery. The title also tells us that it was set to the tune of “Jonath-elem-rechokim.” This phrase literally translated means, “the silent dove in distance lands.” In this song David celebrated his return from expulsion, from places where it was necessary for him to be at, temporarily for respite and relief.

The backdrop to this Psalm could be found in 1 Samuel 21:10-15. In that chapter, we are told David was a fugitive running away from King Saul. He had a meeting with Ahimelech, the priest at Nob, who gave him consecrated bread for sustenance and Goliath’s sword for protection. Having left him, David came to Gath, a domain of the Philistines, ruled by King Achish. For fear that his life would be threatened, David feigned madness and managed to escape from the crutches of the Philistines. Bear in mind that the Philistines was Israel’s key enemy at that time. Having escaped from Achish, David wrote this Psalm. While he talked about his enemies, his emphasis was on God who was His confidence. He attributed his safety as coming from God who was there with him, to protect him. In this composition, we see a contrast between the threats from his enemies and the sure reliability of his faithful God. He saw his life being watched not only by his enemies but also by his faithful God, his ever sure protector. With that David then confidently stated his assurance of his upcoming deliverance.  

In the face of fear, David chose faith in God, and in the face of destruction, he chose to believe in God’s deliverance. Those perspectives elevated his attitude and armed his mind for triumph. No wonder David could live a life of trust and thankfulness. When facing the storms of life, we too have choices in making decisions concerning them. We can either live life out of fear of the wind of adversities, or a life of faith in God. We can focus on the coming destruction or the sure deliverance of God. Whatever our perspectives, what is most needed is to build a life of trust and thankfulness to God, who alone is ever so reliable. What’s our perspective? Let’s start emulating David’s perspective today. Regardless of how fierce the storms of our life, let’s choose faith in God. Let’s see the deliverance of God. And let’s live a life of triumphant trust and thanksgiving!