My soul is in the midst of lions; I lie down amid fiery beasts—the children of man, whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth! They set a net for my steps; my soul was bowed down. They dug a pit in my way, but they have fallen into it themselves. Selah Psalm 57:4-6

These verses describe two amazing realities for David. First, the ability to lie down in the midst of danger. The soul that takes refuge under the shadow of God’s wings (v1) is the soul that can lie down midst fiery beasts! Second, the ability to praise God in the midst of danger.  David does not lose sight of the glory of God over all the earth.  Although life’s circumstances change, the reality of God’s glory does not change and never will. May God grant all of us both realities as we like David continually focus on the greatness and glory of Almighty God.

I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me. He will send from heaven and save me; he will put to shame him who tramples on me. Selah God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness!  Psalm 57:2-3

How I wish I possessed David’s amazing similar confidence! Because of David’s close relationship with God, his mind overflowed with confident statements of God’s love, faithfulness, purpose, and protection. In order to help your mind overflow with similar statements turn phrases in this psalm into personal prayers.

I am thankful that I can cry out to you O God.
I know you will fulfill your purpose for me during this time. Thank you!
I know you will send out your steadfast love and faithfulness!
With my soul I take refuge in you, my God.

Many more statements can be found in the rest of the psalm.  Write them down and saturate your mind with them.

Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by.  Psalm 57:1

We don’t seek refuge until we need it.  We can’t identify and describe a place of refuge until we spend time there.  We don’t know the value of a refuge until we experience it first hand. David’s words are powerful and relevant because they are based on real-life experience.  David’s image describes young birds taking refuge under their mother’s wings because they have complete trust in their mother’s ability to protect them. 

How long do they stay there?  Till the danger passes.
How long does David take refuge?  Till the storms of destruction pass by.  

David coped by entrusting his soul to God’s protection. Let us thank God today for the refuge of His wings and for the opportunity to increase our faith in Him.  How do you allow your soul to take refuge in God?  Share your answers in the comments or with others.