Briefing: I have a house dog that thinks he is real tough. Whenever he hears someone driving up the driveway, he starts barking. When I get up to go to the door, he will get behind me and bark. He likes to keep me in between him and the perceived danger.

Dispatch (Assignment): Read Psalm 57.

On the Street: This psalm was written about the time David had fled from Saul and was hiding in a cave. David is hunkered down, trying to be still and not be seen. He is surrounded by the enemy. He’s in the middle of a storm with no escape. He is clinging to God for protection.

Of all the psalms we have looked at so far, this one seems to have the most dire tone. David says, “I am in the midst of lions; I lie among ravenous beasts, men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords.” The first verse cries desperation, “Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me”. When one has the power of death over another, the greatest thing you can ask for is mercy.

David knows the only place he can find protection is in God’s presence. He is at a place where no mortal man can save him, only God can rescue him. David writes, “for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings.” Non-believers live their life never thinking about their souls (I guess that is why they are non-believers). Yet when they have a near death experience, it becomes of utmost importance. David is a believer but he had come to the realization that he may lose his life and the only thing left would be his soul.

In verse 6 he says, “They spread a net for my feet; I was bowed down in distress. They dug a pit in my path, but they have fallen into it themselves.” All of a sudden, God has saved David out of the jaws of death. Against insurmountable odds, David is still alive.

Now we see David do what he does best, he praises God for his deliverance. Verse 9 says, “I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples.” David is now feeling the joy of salvation.

Like the desperation of asking for mercy twice in the first verse, in verse seven he states the steadfastness of his heart. “My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast”. Webster’s Dictionary defines steadfast as constant; firm; resolute; not fickle or wavering. David never wavered in his faith, he trusted God and sought Him only, even when faced with death.

We can see that David had the kind of faith that said, “even if I don’t make it out of this alive I trust God with my soul.” We must have faith that we are going to heaven after this life. Our trust and belief in heaven must be unwavering, firm, and resolute. Our salvation is so secure that if we die, it is ok, I’ll see you in heaven.

“Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.” I don’t want to die and leave my family behind, but if I do I know where I am going. Are you secure in your salvation?

Investigational Resources: Psalm 58 and 59.

Officer Safety Principle: This psalm is one that you should print out and keep “in case of emergency”. Carry it in your duty bag or make a note in the front of your Bible.

from Psalms Through the Eyes of a Cop, Volume 1
©by Charles Gilliland. Used by permission.
Click here to check out the entire Through the Eyes of a Cop series!