Comfort from the Psalms: Psalm 57

Sometimes the storms we face are destructive. They leave scars that shape our future. They can push us to breaking point. Whether it's the storm of undiagnosed chronic illness wreaking havoc on your life, an unexpected divorce, a close friend suddenly turning on you, the loss of home through fire or flood, a prodigal child, or the death of a loved one, we all experience devastating storms.

If you are in the middle of a storm, it seems all-encompassing. The grief and heartbreak overwhelm you. It threatens to swallow you. It may not seem possible, but there is hope to cling to in the middle of the storm. David encourages us in this as He cries out honestly to God:

"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.
I cry out to God Most High, 
to God who fulfills his purpose for me.”
Psalm 57:1-2

As we think on these verses, let's consider:
Where is the hope in the midst of destructive storms?

1. Hope is found in our merciful God (v. 1). It is tempting to get angry at God or to doubt His goodness when everything is falling apart. I know I frequently want the storm to be over. In those desperate moments of despair, we must turn to God and seek His mercy. Don't turn away from Him in anger, but keep crying out to Him, as David does in this Psalm. Ask Him for mercy and for grace to persevere when the chronic pain is unbearable or the grief from loss overtakes you. Ask Him to give you hope. 


2. Hope is found in our Refuge in the storm (v. 1). The definition of refuge is “a condition of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, or trouble.” We are safe in the storm, because we know the One who has complete control over the storm. The imagery here of finding refuge in the shadow of His wings is quite stunning. Just as a bird, caring for her young, protects them from harm of the winds and storms, so God does the same for us! He doesn't always cause the storm to cease, but He is our Rock and Refuge in it. So cry out to God, as David did, and find comfort and protection.


3. Hope is found in realizing this is temporary (v. 1). As David mentions, the storms of destruction will pass by (v. 1). They are not eternal, even though it may feel that way! Our afflictions, if we are believers in Christ, are temporary (2 Cor. 4:17). This is perhaps one of the hardest truths to believe when you're suffering. It seems like it will never end! But we know that God is faithful and that His Word is true, and so we can rest in knowing this trial is temporary. 


4. Hope is found in remembering (v. 2). God is fulfilling His purpose for you. This is an interesting phrase to follow verse 1. After all, David is running from Saul. The man promised to be the next king of Israel is hiding for fear of his life! This doesn’t make sense. How could this be accomplishing God's purposes? I'm sure David didn't understand, as I usually don’t in the middle of my storms. But somehow, amidst the destruction, God is fulfilling His purpose for you. For me. He has not forgotten you. Remember that no matter how bad it gets, God is fulfilling His good plans for you.

The truth is, knowing God doesn't take away the storms of life. But there is hope we can breathe even as we face the most heart-wrenching circumstances. Today, if you find yourself there, run to God and take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. And as you wait, let Him give you hope that can only be found in Him.