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Psalm 57:6-11  

They spread a net for my feet—I was bowed down in distress. They dug a pit in my path—but they have fallen into it themselves. My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth. 

David was on the run from a jealous King Saul who was intent on killing him. Fleeing for his life, David slipped into one of the many mountainous caves in Israel to hide. It was from a cave that David wrote this psalm. Although he was “bowed down in distress,” David began to sing to the Lord.

From the recesses of the cave, David sang songs of praise. He desired that his soul awaken and free itself from the distress that held him down. He was determined to lift the spirits of others by singing “among the peoples.” David reminded himself of God’s great love that is not hindered by a cavern. God’s love reaches to the heavens. God’s faithfulness reaches to the skies. 

Let me encourage you to sing today, even if you are in a personal cave. I know that you may not feel like singing. Begin by asking God to awaken your soul, to give you the desire to praise Him. Sing a song about His great love that is never diminished by your circumstances. Sing a song about His great faithfulness that reaches through your cave to the skies. Tell God that you want Him to be honored in this situation. As you sing praises, ask God for deliverance from the darkness of your cave.

Father, my cave is dark and damp. I don’t want to be here. I don’t feel like praising You but please ignite my heart with the desire to sing of Your love and faithfulness. Put a song in my heart that I can sing with joy and confidence. Encourage me as I honor You with praise. And please deliver me from this cave. In Jesus’ name. Amen.