April 7 - From Prayer To Praise.

Psalm 57:7-11
“My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise. Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early. I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations. For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds. Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth.”
 
David is in distress. In the context of this chapter, David was running for his life. Saul, the king of Israel, wanted him dead. He was jealous of David.
 
Maybe you can relate with him. Have you ever felt like someone was out to get you? They may not be physically threatening, but their malicious intent is obviously pointed in your direction. It's not fun, and can make you want to get even or settle the score.
 
Instead of getting even, David first prayed about his situation. The first six verses of the chapter, he lays out his plead for mercy and displays his trust in God to deliver him.
 
“Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.” Psalm 57:1
 
After pleading for help, David then begins to praise God despite his circumstances. He is expecting God to give the mercy he requested, and therefore he praises God because he knows He is sure to answer.
 
“My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.” Psalm 57:7
 
When you feel like you're in a cave hiding from your enemies, ask the Lord for mercy and praise Him for what He will do. Today turn your problems into praise.
 
 
Bible Reading:
Joshua 5-6  |  Acts 9  |  Psalm 67