Be Merciful (Psalm 56)

Does God know every detail of our hurts? Do we turn to Him for mercy when enemies are many? Let’s look at Psalm 56.

For the Chief Musician. To the tune of “Silent Dove in Distant Lands.” A poem by David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath. (WEB)

Do enemies want to swallow us up, taking everything from us?

Be merciful to me, God, for man wants to swallow me up. All day long, he attacks and oppresses me. My enemies want to swallow me up all day long, for they are many who fight proudly against me. (Ps 56:1-2 WEB)

Who do we turn to when circumstances make us afraid?

whenever I’m afraid, I put my trust in you—in God, whose word I praise. I trust in God; I won’t be afraid. What can mere flesh do to me? (Ps 56:3-4 CEB)

Do we know people whose only focus is to find fault, bellyachers, nitpickers, hypercritics? Who will stop them?

Enemies spend the whole day finding fault with me; all they think about is how to do me harm. They attack from ambush, watching my every step and hoping to kill me. They won't get away with these crimes, God, because when you get angry, you destroy people. (Psalm 56:5-7 CEV)

Does God know every detail of our suffering, tossing and turning on our beds, our tears? How quickly can God make our enemies turn back?

You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book? Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call. This I know, that God is for me. In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me? (Ps 56:8-11 ESV)

What commitment have we made to God? Are we thankful for the many times He delivered us from danger?

I am obligated by vows to You, God; I will make my thank offerings to You. For You delivered me from death, even my feet from stumbling, to walk before God in the light of life. (Ps 56:12-13 HCSB)

Who did Jesus say would be blessed to freely receive God’s mercy?

How blessed are those who are merciful, because it is they who will receive mercy! (Mat 5:7 ISV)

Does God know every detail of our hurts? Do we turn to Him for mercy when enemies are many? You decide!