To You I Call – Psalm 28

David faces yet another severe challenge to his life and does what a man after God’s own heart should do, he prays.  And when he gets assurance that his prayer is going to be answered, he praises and teaches his people about the strong shepherd Yahweh is to His people.

Of David.

To you, O LORD, I call; my rock, be not deaf to me, lest, if you be silent to me, I become like those who go down to the pit.  Hear the voice of my pleas for mercy, when I cry to you for help, when I lift up my hands toward your most holy sanctuary.

Do not drag me off with the wicked, with the workers of evil, who speak peace with their neighbors while evil is in their hearts.  Give to them according to their work and according to the evil of their deeds; give to them according to the work of their hands; render them their due reward.  Because they do not regard the works of the LORD or the work of his hands, he will tear them down and build them up no more.

Blessed be the LORD!  For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy.  The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.

The LORD is the strength of his people; he is the saving refuge of his anointed.  Oh, save your people and bless your heritage!   Be their shepherd and carry them forever.  (Psalm 28 ESV)

What starts as a very tense and uncertain plea to God, fearful that He will not respond in time to rescue, ends as a sigh of relief and praise to God for answering their prayers.  So often it seems that since we cannot see the conclusion of a matter that endangers us, we get fretful and worried and our prayers reflect our fear and desperation.  And God hears these prayers and understands our concerns and still answers even though our faith was only enough to get us before Him on our knees.  He is our strength and saving refuge, our Shepherd who carries His lambs in His arms.  We need not be afraid.