SOAP Journal 03-17-2008 (Psalm 57:7-8)

Scripture:

Psalm 57:7-8 I am determined, O God! I am determined! I will sing and praise you! Awake, my soul! Awake, O stringed instrument and harp! I will wake up at dawn!

Observation:

In the context of protection/deliverance from the psalmist's enemies, the determination to praise God early in the morning is a steadfast heart of devotion that knows God is King who reigns over all creation. Praising Him is both a form of warfare accompaniment and a pledge of allegiance to the only One who saves. Recounting the attributes of God stirs the soul and gives courage for the day.

Application:

I preached the importance of spiritual disciplines even yesterday; I need to observe them today. I have every bit as many enemies as David did - at least it seems that way - and I need deliverance just as he did. The psalm begins with a cry for mercy, for David, as I am, was not perfect (needed forgiveness). But that doesn't remove God as our defender, it just means we must first acknowledge where we (even continually) fall THEN ask for deliverance.

Prayer:

O God my King, truly there is none like You. I need your forgiveness for sin first, then Your deliverance for my life. I will praise You for all You've done. In Jesus' name, Amen.