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Psalm 59:1-10a  
For the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” Of David. A miktam. When Saul had sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him 

Deliver me from my enemies, O God; be my fortress against those who are attacking me. Deliver me from evildoers and save me from those who are after my blood. See how they lie in wait for me! Fierce men conspire against me for no offense or sin of mine, LORD. I have done no wrong, yet they are ready to attack me. Arise to help me; look on my plight! You, LORD God Almighty, you who are the God of Israel, rouse yourself to punish all the nations; show no mercy to wicked traitors. They return at evening, snarling like dogs, and prowl about the city. See what they spew from their mouths—the words from their lips are sharp as swords, and they think, “Who can hear us?” But you laugh at them, LORD; you scoff at all those nations. You are my strength, I watch for you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely. 

Have you ever had something start out well and then turn south…fast? Maybe it was a relationship, a job, or a particular stretch in your life journey? You are not alone. Notice the setting of this psalm: “When Saul had sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him.” 

David had just returned from a victory in battle against the Philistines. King Saul saw David’s victory and growing popularity as a threat. One afternoon he tried to pin David to the wall with his spear. That evening he sent men to David’s house to finish what he had failed to get done. Michal, David’s wife and Saul’s daughter, helped David escape. At some point after his getaway, David penned this psalm.

David’s enemies surrounded him. He likens them to “traitors” and “snarling” dogs prowling the city looking to kill him. They lie in wait to strike him down. But David has a “fortress” to protect him. God is his strength. God is the One on whom he can always rely. That same solid truth is ours as well. God is my fortress.

Lord, You are my fortress. I run to You for strength and protection when things turn south…when friends and family betray…when life stings.  Thank You for being my God, the One on whom I can always rely. In Jesus’ name. Amen.