A HEART FIXED ON GOD

Rev Samuel Joseph

The context of Psalm 57 is given to us in the title. It was penned by David “when he fled from Saul in the cave.” This was a sorely trying period of David’s life, as he was literally hunted by the king of Israel. In fact, so many and so frequent were his flights that it is difficult to tell which cave, in particular, is referred to in the title! Once David knew of Saul’s determination to kill him, he went first to the priest at Nob (1 Sam 21:1), and thence briefly to Gath (1 Sam 21:10); after that to the cave Adullam (1 Sam 22:1), and on to Keilah (1 Sam 23:5); from there he was forced again to flee, to the wilderness of Ziph (1 Sam 23:14), where he was betrayed by the Ziphites, and driven first to the wilderness of Maon (1 Sam 23:25), and then to Engedi (1 Sam 23:29). And that was not the end of his wanderings!

On what could David rely, in circumstances such as these? He had few resources, as a fugitive. He had no real place of refuge: no fortress or castle in which to hide; no foreign power with whom he could seek asylum (though he tried; cf. 1 Sam 21:10–15). He had hardly any friends at hand: apart from his own family, those who did gather themselves to him were those “in debt,” and “discontented,” and themselves “in distress” (1 Sam 22:1–2). His was pre-eminently a life of instability and uncertainty — yet David was able to say, even while his body was tossed from place to place, that his heart was “fixed.” His soul had found a sanctuary in the Lord his God.

But it behoves us to examine the matter more closely, in order to understand how it is that David was able to fix his heart so securely on God. We may identify two themes in the psalm that can help us here: in the first half (v1–5), David relates his trust in God; while in the second half (v6–11), he recites his praise to God.

David’s Trust in God

The word “trusteth” (v1) has the idea of seeking shelter, or taking refuge (the same word is used later in the verse, translated “make my refuge”). It pictures one fleeing to a place of safety, in which he knows he will be protected from the storm about him. But whereas the ungodly can think only of earthly help, which is vain (cf Isa 30:1–3), the psalmist hides in the shadow of the Almighty.

David trusted in God’s mercy (v1). This is an interesting thought, for it is the very same expression used by David in his well-known penitential psalm (Ps 51:1). There, David sought God’s mercy because of his transgressions — yet here, it does not appear that he has committed any sin: he is fleeing from Saul; if anything, it is Saul who needs to plead for God’s mercy! But David recognises that he is a sinner, and constantly in need of mercy. He can never demand help or protection from God. Still, he comes to God with confidence: not in his worth or his prerogative or his righteousness, but in God’s nature. Though an unworthy sinner, he can seek help from a just and holy God, because he knows that God is a merciful God.

David trusted in God’s might (v2–3). It was God’s mercy that gave David confidence that He would be inclined to show favour and pity towards a desperate fugitive. It is God’s mighty power which now settles his assurance that God will not only be willing, but able to act on his behalf.

In fact, it was God’s wise providence that had placed David in this seemingly precarious position: for this was the best school in which the boy-who-would-be-king could learn where his true security lay. While on the run, travelling the length and breadth of the land, encountering hostilities from all sides — none but an omniscient, omnipotent God could ensure protection. It was during these years that David learned to “cry unto God most High” (v2); until he was able to say, “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God” (Ps 20:7). This trust in God’s might would serve him well, in those years when he finally sat on the throne of Israel. The dangers and decisions of a fugitive, though pressing and immediate, would have been relatively uncontroversial and inconsequential, compared to the vastly greater pressures of kingship, when an entire nation could potentially hang in the balance! Is it not the pattern of God’s wise providence, sometimes to permit great difficulties to overtake us, that we might learn to “stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD” (Exod 14:13)?

David trusted in God’s majesty (v4–5). His earthly circumstances were dire. Enemies surrounded, intent on causing him hurt and harm. Threats abounded on every side. Yet rather than look around and despair, David looked up — he looked to God’s exalted majesty, and made that the centre of his hope. In other words, his confidence was in the fact that God’s glory was and always would be paramount: no power in all the universe could ever thwart the glory of God from being displayed. Since David had consecrated his life to God’s purpose, he was able to “be still,” knowing that God would certainly be “exalted among the heathen… exalted in the earth” (Ps 46:10).

David’s Praise to God

The note of trust in God’s majesty provides a bridge to the second part of the psalm, where David turns to that greatest of all expressions of trust: he praises God. In fact this is the focal point of the fixedness of David’s heart — his statement in verse 7 leads to this. His heart is fixed on God, and fixed on trusting in God; therefore he is fixed in his determination to “sing and give praise” (v7).

Thus we find him rising up early in the morning (v8), with his instruments of music, to render worship and praise to God at the beginning of the day. Is it not a fact of common experience, that those thoughts with which we begin the day, are often the same ones which occupy us throughout the day? Yet how many of us will rise from our beds with an immediate and settled commitment, to begin the day by praising God?

And without this commitment, how easily will our thoughts become distracted from God, and bogged down by the difficulties of the hour! If we begin each day with our thoughts enmeshed in worldly concerns and rituals, then the clouds which gather over the course of the day may easily obscure our view of heaven; but if each morning finds us rising already above the clouds, to kneel before the throne of God…! If God is to be “exalted… above the heavens,” if His glory is “above all the earth” (v11), then let us meet Him “above the heavens” and “above all the earth,” and praise Him there: it will be to us a foretaste of eternity, that will soothe the bitter taste of earthly calamity.

Then, indeed, our commitment to praise God even in the midst of distress, becomes not only a private affair but a public witness and testimony. Like David, we will praise the Lord “among the people,” and sing to Him “among the nations” (v9). It is by this spirit and attitude of constant praise, that our trust in God may most clearly and most effectively be manifested to the world. Dear reader, know that a heart fixed on praising God always, leads to a life of continual testimony to the mercy and truth of God!

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FAR EASTERN BIBLE COLLEGE

What is Far Eastern Bible College known for? Here is what ChatGPT came up with:

The Far Eastern Bible College (FEBC) is known for its commitment to conservative Christian theology and biblical education. Here are some key aspects for which FEBC is recognised:
(1) Conservative Theological Stance: FEBC is known for its adherence to conservative Christian doctrine, including beliefs in the inerrancy and authority of Scripture, the fundamentals of the Christian faith, and the importance of biblical exegesis and interpretation.
(2) Emphasis on the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible: The college has traditionally favoured the King James Version (KJV) as its primary English translation of the Bible and emphasises its study and use in theological education and ministry training.
(3) Academic Rigour: FEBC is recognised for its rigorous academic programmes in biblical studies, theology, and ministry training. The college offers various undergraduate and graduate-level courses and degrees aimed at equipping students for Christian ministry and service.
(4) Global Impact: While based in Singapore, FEBC has had a global impact through its graduates, who have gone on to serve in churches, ministries, and missions around the world. The college has also been involved in training pastors and church leaders in various countries, particularly within Asia.
(5) Contributions to Christian Literature: Faculty members and alumni of FEBC have contributed to Christian literature through publications, articles, and theological works, promoting conservative Christian perspectives on theology, biblical studies, and Christian living.
Overall, the Far Eastern Bible College is known for its commitment to biblical orthodoxy, academic excellence, and the training of individuals for faithful Christian ministry and service.

[Disclaimer: This is not an endorsement of ChatGPT or AI. Since AI is a human invention, there is inherent imperfection and potential evil. One atheist author believes that AI is a means for man to become God and attain immortality. Cf Gen 3:4–5, 2 Thess 2:3–4. Beware!]

BASIC THEOLOGY FOR EVERYONE

BTFE classes starting soon! 14 courses to choose from. Pastor is offering (1) Covenant Theology (a new course) and (2) The Epistle of James. Sign up for one or both today! For more information, go to www.febc.edu.sg.