Psalms 57:1-3 Chapter 57 1 Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me; For my soul taketh refuge in thee: Yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I take refuge, Until `these' calamities be overpast. 2 I will cry unto God Most High, Unto God that performeth `all things' for me. 3 He will send from heaven, and save me, `When' he that would swallow me up reproacheth; Selah God will send forth his lovingkindness and his truth.

When you face a crisis, what is your first line of defense? The natural response is to attempt to fix the problem on your own. God, however, gives us a different way to handle difficulty.

David was no stranger to pressure or sudden appearances of evil. When he wrote Psalms 57 Chapter 57 1 Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me; For my soul taketh refuge in thee: Yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I take refuge, Until `these' calamities be overpast. 2 I will cry unto God Most High, Unto God that performeth `all things' for me. 3 He will send from heaven, and save me, `When' he that would swallow me up reproacheth; Selah God will send forth his lovingkindness and his truth. 4 My soul is among lions; I lie among them that are set on fire, Even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, And their tongue a sharp sword. 5 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; `Let' thy glory `be' above all the earth. 6 They have prepared a net for my steps; My soul is bowed down: They have digged a pit before me; They are fallen into the midst thereof themselves. Selah 7 My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing, yea, I will sing praises. 8 Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake right early. 9 I will give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the peoples: I will sing praises unto thee among the nations. 10 For thy lovingkindness is great unto the heavens, And thy truth unto the skies. 11 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; `Let' thy glory `be' above all the earth. Psalm 58 For the Chief Musician; `set to' Al-tashheth. `A Psalm' of David Michtam. , he was facing many hardships—including pursuit by King Saul, who wanted to kill him ( 1 Samuel 24:1-22 Chapter 24 1 And it came to pass, when Saul was returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, Behold, David is in the wilderness of En-gedi. 2 Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats. 3 And he came to the sheepcotes by the way, where was a cave; and Saul went in to cover his feet. Now David and his men were abiding in the innermost parts of the cave. 4 And the men of David said unto him, Behold, the day of which Jehovah said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thy hand, and thou shalt do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily. 5 And it came to pass afterward, that David's heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul's skirt. 6 And he said unto his men, Jehovah forbid that I should do this thing unto my lord, Jehovah's anointed, to put forth my hand against him, seeing he is Jehovah's anointed. 7 So David checked his men with these words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul. And Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on his way. 8 David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the earth, and did obeisance. 9 And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearkenest thou to men's words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt? 10 Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that Jehovah had delivered thee to-day into my hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee; but `mine eye' spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth my hand against my lord; for he is Jehovah's anointed. 11 Moreover, my father, see, yea, see the skirt of thy robe in my hand; for in that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that there is neither evil nor transgression in my hand, and I have not sinned against thee, though thou huntest after my life to take it. 12 Jehovah judge between me and thee, and Jehovah avenge me of thee; but my hand shall not be upon thee. 13 As saith the proverb of the ancients, Out of the wicked cometh forth wickedness; but my hand shall not be upon thee. 14 After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea. 15 Jehovah therefore be judge, and give sentence between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thy hand. 16 And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that Saul said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept. 17 And he said to David, Thou art more righteous than I; for thou hast rendered unto me good, whereas I have rendered unto thee evil. 18 And thou hast declared this day how that thou hast dealt well with me, forasmuch as when Jehovah had delivered me up into thy hand, thou killedst me not. 19 For if a man find his enemy, will he let him go well away? wherefore Jehovah reward thee good for that which thou hast done unto me this day. 20 And now, behold, I know that thou shalt surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thy hand. 21 Swear now therefore unto me by Jehovah, that thou wilt not cut off my seed after me, and that thou wilt not destroy my name out of my father's house. 22 And David sware unto Saul. And Saul went home; but David and his men gat them up unto the stronghold. ). The shepherd’s response was to cry out to God and take refuge in Him until the calamity had passed.

Let’s learn from David’s example by exploring his words. Today’s passage has much to teach about the One to whom he cries.

First, David refers to God as El Elyon, or the Most High God. With all power and wisdom, He is the only one who can help us in our need.

Second, God is said to be our refuge. If He is a place of shelter for our soul, then we need not fear. He hovers over us and protects us when crises arise and leave us feeling helpless.

Third, the psalm expresses complete confidence that the Almighty can and will accomplish anything it takes for His purpose to be fulfilled. He’ll do whatever is necessary to intervene on our behalf, to hold accountable those who oppose us, and to surround us with His love and truth.

During His time on earth, Jesus brought great passion to His life and ministry . Therefore, we can approach Him when emotions run high. If your heart is troubled, cry out to the Lord. Know that you come before the throne of Him who is a powerful protector, capable and willing to do all you need.

Bible in One Year: Proverbs 26-28 Chapter 26 1 As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, So honor is not seemly for a fool. 2 As the sparrow in her wandering, as the swallow in her flying, So the curse that is causeless alighteth not. 3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, And a rod for the back of fools. 4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, Lest thou also be like unto him. 5 Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own conceit. 6 He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool Cutteth off `his own' feet, `and' drinketh in damage. 7 The legs of the lame hang loose: So is a parable in the mouth of fools. 8 As one that bindeth a stone in a sling, So is he that giveth honor to a fool. 9 `As' a thorn that goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, So is a parable in the mouth of fools. 10 `As' an archer that woundeth all, So is he that hireth a fool and he that hireth them that pass by. 11 As a dog that returneth to his vomit, `So is' a fool that repeateth his folly. 12 Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? There is more hope of a fool than of him. 13 The sluggard saith, There is a lion in the way; A lion is in the streets. 14 `As' the door turneth upon its hinges, So doth the sluggard upon his bed. 15 The sluggard burieth his hand in the dish; It wearieth him to bring it again to his mouth. 16 The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit Than seven men that can render a reason. 17 He that passeth by, `and' vexeth himself with strife belonging not to him, Is `like' one that taketh a dog by the ears. 18 As a madman who casteth firebrands, Arrows, and death, 19 So is the man that deceiveth his neighbor, And saith, Am not I in sport? 20 For lack of wood the fire goeth out; And where there is no whisperer, contention ceaseth. 21 `As' coals are to hot embers, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to inflame strife. 22 The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts. 23 Fervent lips and a wicked heart Are `like' an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross. 24 He that hateth dissembleth with his lips; But he layeth up deceit within him: 25 When he speaketh fair, believe him not; For there are seven abominations in his heart: 26 Though `his' hatred cover itself with guile, His wickedness shall be openly showed before the assembly. 27 Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein; And he that rolleth a stone, it shall return upon him. 28 A lying tongue hateth those whom it hath wounded; And a flattering mouth worketh ruin. Chapter 27 1 Boast not thyself of tomorrow; For thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. 2 Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; A stranger, and not thine own lips. 3 A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; But a fool's vexation is heavier than they both. 4 Wrath is cruel, and anger is overwhelming; But who is able to stand before jealousy? 5 Better is open rebuke Than love that is hidden. 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; But the kisses of an enemy are profuse. 7 The full soul loatheth a honeycomb; But to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet. 8 As a bird that wandereth from her nest, So is a man that wandereth from his place. 9 Oil and perfume rejoice the heart; So doth the sweetness of a man's friend `that cometh' of hearty counsel. 10 Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; And go not to thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: Better is a neighbor that is near than a brother far off. 11 My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, That I may answer him that reproacheth me. 12 A prudent man seeth the evil, `and' hideth himself; `But' the simple pass on, `and' suffer for it. 13 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger; And hold him in pledge `that is surety' for a foreign woman. 14 He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, It shall be counted a curse to him. 15 A continual dropping in a very rainy day And a contentious woman are alike: 16 He that would restrain her restraineth the wind; And his right hand encountereth oil. 17 Iron sharpeneth iron; So a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. 18 Whoso keepeth the fig-tree shall eat the fruit thereof; And he that regardeth his master shall be honored. 19 As in water face `answereth' to face, So the heart of man to man. 20 Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied; And the eyes of man are never satisfied. 21 The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold; And a man is `tried' by his praise. 22 Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with bruised grain, Yet will not his foolishness depart from him. 23 Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, `And' look well to thy herds: 24 For riches are not for ever: And doth the crown endure unto all generations? 25 The hay is carried, and the tender grass showeth itself, And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in. 26 The lambs are for thy clothing, And the goats are the price of the field; 27 And `there will be' goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, And maintenance for thy maidens. Chapter 28 1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth; But the righteous are bold as a lion. 2 For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof; But by men of understanding `and' knowledge the state `thereof' shall be prolonged. 3 A needy man that oppresseth the poor Is `like' a sweeping rain which leaveth no food. 4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked; But such as keep the law contend with them. 5 Evil men understand not justice; But they that seek Jehovah understand all things. 6 Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, Than he that is perverse in `his' ways, though he be rich. 7 Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son; But he that is a companion of gluttons shameth his father. 8 He that augmenteth his substance by interest and increase, Gathereth it for him that hath pity on the poor. 9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination. 10 Whoso causeth the upright to go astray in an evil way, He shall fall himself into his own pit; But the perfect shall inherit good. 11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit; But the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out. 12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory; But when the wicked rise, men hide themselves. 13 He that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper: But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall obtain mercy. 14 Happy is the man that feareth alway; But he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief. 15 `As' a roaring lion, and a ranging bear, `So is' a wicked ruler over a poor people. 16 The prince that lacketh understanding is also a great oppressor; `But' he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days. 17 A man that is laden with the blood of any person Shall flee unto the pit; let no man stay him. 18 Whoso walketh uprightly shall be delivered; But he that is perverse in `his' ways shall fall at once. 19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread; But he that followeth after vain `persons' shall have poverty enough. 20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings; But he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be unpunished. 21 To have respect of persons is not good; Neither that a man should transgress for a piece of bread. 22 he that hath an evil eye hasteth after riches, And knoweth not that want shall come upon him. 23 He that rebuketh a man shall afterward find more favor Than he that flattereth with the tongue. 24 Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression, The same is the companion of a destroyer. 25 He that is of a greedy spirit stirreth up strife; But he that putteth his trust in Jehovah shall be made fat. 26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool; But whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered. 27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack; But he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse. 28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous increase.