Psalms 56-57August 23 - August 29, 2018

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Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things

out of thy law.Psalms 119:18

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1. According to 56:3-4 and 56:10-11, how did David deal with his fears? Why is God worthy of our trust? How can you trust Him more in a desperate situation? Why is prayer an important step in trusting God?

2. How does chapter 56 encourage you? Why is it important to apply God’s word to our situations? What happens if we don’t seek God’s truth, but instead, rely on our own? How can other believers help in our times of desperation? How we help other in their desperate times?

3. Have you ever had a trial that tested your character numerous times? How did you handle that trial? Did you recognize God testing you through it? Were you obedient or disobedient?

4. What are some practical ramifications if our focus shifts from God’s glory to human happiness? Is praising God when we don’t feel like it hypocrisy or a matter of obedience?

With the Word Bible Commentary

PSALM 56David prayed this prayer while he was in danger in enemy country (1

Sam. 21:10–15). After God delivered him, he wrote Psalm 34 as an expression of praise. When you are in the midst of trouble, remember these truths about God.

God sees where you are (8a). David should not have been in Gath to begin with, but the Lord was gracious to go with him and help him. God understands your situation far better than you do!

God knows how you feel (8b). He not only knows your tears, but He records them and retains them! Why? So that one day He may transform them into gems of joy and glory. No tears are ever wasted when you follow Him.

God hears when you call (9). Terrors and tears must be handled with trust (vv. 3–4, 10–11). But be sure your motive is not just deliverance. He delivers us that we might delight in Him and serve Him (vv. 12–13). The highest purpose of prayer is the glory of God.

PSALM 57This psalm and Psalm 142 are “cave” psalms that can give you great

encouragement. Your own “cave” may be a sickroom, a difficult place of ministry, or even a home where there is tension or trouble. If you do what David did, you will experience peace and victory even in the cave.

David’s faith transformed his cave into a Holy of Holies (v. 1)! His confidence was not in the rocks but “under His wings.” (See Ruth 2:12.) In spite of sharp teeth (v. 4), nets and pits (v. 6), David was sure of God’s help.

His desire was not just to escape but to exalt the Lord (vv. 5, 11). In fact, when he awakened the next morning, he picked up his harp and sang praises to God!

Trust Him; exalt Him; sing praises to Him. This approach worked for David in his cave, and it will work for you in your cave.

Wiersbe, W. W. (1991). With the Word Bible Commentary (Ps 56:1–57:1). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Study Questions for Psalms 56-57