Cry to the God who Sees

Read: Psalm 59:1–5

“Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise up against me.” —Psalm 59:1

David wrote Psalm 59 during one of the most frightening nights of his life. Saul had sent men to watch David’s house so they could kill him in the morning. David could not safely remain in his home, reason with Saul, or defend himself against the king’s soldiers.
So David prayed.

His prayer was direct: “Deliver me,” “protect me,” “save me,” and “awake to help me.” David did not hide his fear behind religious language. He told God exactly what was happening and asked God to act.

David’s statement that he was suffering “for no fault of mine” did not mean he believed he was sinless. He meant he had done nothing to deserve Saul’s murderous hostility. David brought the facts of his situation before the Judge who sees everything clearly.

Biblical lament is not unbelief. It is faith refusing to run away from God in suffering. We lament because we believe God sees, hears, cares, and possesses the power to help.

Jesus also understands what it is like to be falsely accused and surrounded by those seeking his life. Yet unlike David—or us—Jesus was completely without sin. He suffered injustice so that guilty sinners could be declared righteous through faith in him.

You do not need to clean up your emotions before coming to God. Bring him your fear, confusion, and pain. Cry to the God who sees the threat.

Reflect: What burden or fear have you been trying to carry without honestly bringing it to God?

Pray: Father, you see every danger and know every fear within me. Teach me to cry out to you honestly and trust that you hear me. Thank you that Jesus suffered in my place so I could draw near to you. Amen.