Psalm 59 Devotional

A Song for the Morning

“But I will sing of Your strength and proclaim Your loving devotion in the morning. For You are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.”Psalm 59:16 (BSB)

The heading places Psalm 59 on the night Saul had men watch David's house so they could kill him (59:1). David insists he has done nothing to deserve the attack (59:3-4). Twice he pictures his enemies coming back at nightfall, growling like dogs as they roam the city (59:6, 59:14). They are sure no one hears them (59:7).

But the LORD laughs at them (59:8). While they watch the house, David watches for God, his strength and fortress (59:9), trusting that God in his steadfast love will come to him (59:10). One request is surprising. He asks God not to kill his enemies at once, so his people will not forget, but to scatter them and bring them low (59:11). He wants God's judgment to teach the whole earth that God rules (59:13). The night is long and the dogs are still prowling. Yet the psalm ends at daybreak, with David singing of God's strength and love (59:16). Whatever circles you after dark, God's love will still be there in the morning.

To think about: What threatens you most in the night hours, and what would it look like to keep watch for God instead?