“But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble.” Psalm 59:16.

From one vantage point, a storm poses danger and warrants fear; from another, it provides a beautiful display that entertains and excites the senses. The state of our mind depends on the vantage point that we choose to see the storm; the storms of life are no different, but the secret is seeing God in the storm. “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” Isaiah 43:2.

Psalm 59 tells how David turned to God for help when King Saul wanted to kill him. David became a fugitive, but he found safety and rescue in God. “Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me.” Psalm 59:1.

Psalm 59:16 gives us a wonderful testimony of David’s ability to sing to the glory of God, even in the face of danger and possible death. “But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble.”

David writes that his enemies were as ravenous dogs, going back and forth seeking for meat to eat… and similarly they searched to devour his soul; but through it all- he saw God as his shield, and defence- through it all, in the midst of imminent danger he was able to sing unto the Lord God Almighty, his salvation, confidence and peace! “The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies.” Psalm 59:10.

Yes, the storms of life will inevitably come, but how will we weather the storms- in fear or in the presence, peace, and safety of God? 

These comforting words remind us that those who dwell in the secret place of God are kept safe in His everlasting arms. “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.” Psalm 91:1.

It’s amazing to picture David so sure of God’s power and care that he could sing, even while running for his life.

That’s not an easy feat, especially when things appear dismal…but the joy of the Lord is our strength- and in our weakest moments,  that’s when His strength enables us to sing loudest of His goodness and mercy.

My friends, whatever your circumstances today… rest in the assurance that a mighty fortress is our God. He is the lover and keeper of our souls, and He’s got His eyes on you, and it is well!

Martin Luther wrote these reassuring words about God’s power and protection in the first stanza of “A Mighty Fortress is our God!”:

A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing;
our helper he, amid the flood
of mortal ills prevailing. 

Praise God that in the storms of life, He is our divine refuge. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1. 

May God’s peace and protection be with you all.