Psalm 59: For the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” Of David. A miktam. When Saul had sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him.

Deliver me from my enemies, O God; be my fortress against those who are attacking me.

Deliver me from evildoers and save me from those who are after my blood.

See how they lie in wait for me!

Fierce men conspire against me for no offense or sin of mine, Lord.

I have done no wrong, yet they are ready to attack me.

    Arise to help me; look on my plight!

You, Lord God Almighty, you who are the God of Israel,

rouse yourself to punish all the nations; show no mercy to wicked traitors.

They return at evening, snarling like dogs, and prowl about the city.

See what they spew from their mouths—the words from their lips are sharp as swords,

    and they think, “Who can hear us?”

But you laugh at them, Lord; you scoff at all those nations.

You are my strength, I watch for you; you, God, are my fortress,

    my God on whom I can rely.

God will go before me and will let me gloat over those who slander me.

But do not kill them, Lord our shield, or my people will forget.

In your might uproot them and bring them down.

For the sins of their mouths, for the words of their lips,

    let them be caught in their pride.

For the curses and lies they utter, consume them in your wrath,

    consume them till they are no more.

Then it will be known to the ends of the earth that God rules over Jacob.

They return at evening, snarling like dogs, and prowl about the city.

They wander about for food and howl if not satisfied.

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.

You are my strength, I sing praise to you;

    you, God, are my fortress,

    my God on whom I can rely.

Poor David. He just cannot seem to get a break from Saul and his henchmen. They’ve set up traps around his home and just keep coming back like dogs who start barking at the same time every night. Why can’t those set on evil just be satisfied? David outlines for us the right response when (not if) we are taunted and attacked:

1. David’s first response to evil directed at him is to call out to God (not get angry/defensive)
2. He reminds himself about who he knows God is—his defender with a history of coming through
3. He establishes that God alone is the One on whom he can rely
4. He acknowledges that evil will just keep coming back
5. He determines to keep worshiping, day and night

Are you dealing with evil that seems directed at you without cause? Maybe it’s something not as overt as people waiting outside your door each morning, but what about the coworker who belittles or the family member that causes strife? David was not perfect, but his attitude toward this daily battle pleased God. We must seek to respond in a way that pleases the Father, through constant reliance on Him and a worshipful heart even in the middle of hard times. It was not easy, but we see that it was not Saul’s kingdom that remained, but David’s, which was carried forward, strengthened and redeemed by Jesus. Thank You, Lord—you are indeed my God on whom I can rely.