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Psalm 59:10b-17  

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. 

David was between a rock and a hard place. His victories on the battlefield caused his stock to rise and King Saul’s jealousy to grow. Saul sent assassins to surround David’s home and end his life. But Michal, David’s wife and Saul’s daughter, helped David escape. That’s the background for Psalm 59.

God was David’s fortress, strength and refuge. God was his confidence. David knew that he would survive the night. He wrote with certainty, “in the morning I will sing of your love.”

Think of David’s emotions as he made his escape that night. He left the love of his life and the warmth of his home. David left by himself but not alone. At some point in that dark night, David was reminded that when God is all you have, God is all you need. In our dark nights we can know the same truth. We can say with David, “You, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely.” 

Father, the night is dark. Be my light. I feel vulnerable. Be my fortress. I am weak. Be my strength. The enemy is after me. Be my refuge. I am alone. Be my God on whom I can rely. In Jesus’ name. Amen.