A Man After God's Own Heart - (Diane Ward)

Psalm 59:1-13     

My heart is drawn to David, especially in the 59^th Psalm when King Saul had sent men to watch his house in order to kill him.

It is said that David was “a man after God’s own heart” - thoroughly human!  He cried out to God in times of fear and despair, acknowledging his sin and sorrow - casting himself on God’s mercy. His life was punctuated with emotional highs and lows. At times he was single-mindedly devoted to God, and at other times his failures were devastating. He fathered Solomon, Israel’s great king, he was also the father of Absalom whose rebellion resulted in bloodshed and grief. Through David’s vulnerable humanity he left an example of passionate love of God. He gave us some of the most beautiful poetry ever written.

In desperate hours we can lean on God, sheltered and cloistered as a mother shields and comforts her child. Isaiah 66:13. When we reach critical mass, ready to explode or implode, David’s exile Psalms ring out a sweet and powerful melody, a message of God’s tender heart toward humanity. With childlike hearts before God (much like my own father,) we find our peace and safety in his faithfulness and compassion, as did King David.

“Lord, why do I wait too long to run to you? Tears flood my broken heart, fears become poison darts until finally I surrender myself to you - My sacrifice is a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart that you, God will not despise.” Psalm 51:17

Prayer is Crying -- Knowing God Hears

Psalm 58:11 (NIV)
 Then men will say, "Surely the righteous still are rewarded; surely there is a God who judges the earth."
I often find myself saying, "It's just not fair," when I hear about something one of our politicians is up to.  I ask myself how they got into office in the first place and then I wonder why promises made during a campaign are so soon forgotten.  It is human nature to promise the moon to people when we are after something we want so badly.  I can relate to some extent.  There was a time when I would say anything, promise something I knew I would never deliver on, just to get my own way.

This might be one reason it is so difficult to believe God will deliver on His promises sometimes.  We equate our promises with His and don't expect great things.  But, once we open our hearts to what God really wants for us; once we understand He does not operate as we humans do - He is love and justice, honesty and hope all wrapped up in one gift to mankind.  God's justice will be felt by all of us, but the good news is that His love will also be felt and experienced.

Psalm 59:16-17 (NIV) 
 But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. O my Strength, I sing praise to you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God. 

Here are the words refuge and a fortress again.  These words frequently are found in Psalms referring to God.  How many times I have sought shelter in God's presence, used the shelter of His wings as a hideout of sorts.  There is comfort and healing found here.  He is our protector and our defender.

Psalm 60:11-12 (NIV)
 Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless.
 With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies. 

This week let's remember to use God as our hideout when we need to get away from it all.  Find a quiet and cool corner and spend time pondering how mighty is our God.  Give thanks and praise that we can cry out to Him and He hears us.

Psalm 58, 59, 60