October 5, 2005

Waking the Dawn

Psalm 57

The cave was dark, but his spirit was darker, and filled with ghosts throwing spears.

His fears were rational. Enemies had his name on their "Top One" hit list, and he was hiding for his life. The king had tried to put a spear in his heart. Nearly 400 men had followed him, all renegades, criminals, or terrorists. They were hungry and beginning to grumble. His advisors were counseling a surprise attack to overthrow the despicable king. But he wasn't sure that would be God's counsel.

So he picked up his shepherd's harp and strummed a plaintive "911" to God.

"Have mercy on me," his song begins, and then through two verses and a repeated chorus, David the Fugitive asks God to rescue him from his enemies.

"May God send help from heaven to save me, shame those who trample upon me. May God send fidelity and love."

"I must lie down in the midst of lions hungry for human prey. Their teeth are spears and arrows, their tongues a sharpened sword."

Like a good country song, David's words and music lament the "bad hand" he's been dealt and plead for God to put on a mighty show of salvation mercy. Twice he sings, "Show yourself over the heavens, God. May your glory appear above all the earth."

His is the expected song of a desperate fugitive, the prayer of a death row inmate hoping for reprieve.

Then, right after describing the lions and begging for a salvation display, David remembers God's promises, and makes an Olympic leap of faith.

"My heart is steadfast, God, " says the harpist who will be king, "My heart is steadfast. I will sing and chant praise."

He has nothing except hungry friends and active enemies. Yet he sings of his steadfast heart, a heart chanting praise to the Divine Deliverer. Then he leaps to a description of the salvation he KNOWS is coming. "God will answer, and my song will bring a New Day!"

"Awake my soul," the chorus swells. "Awake, lyre and harp! I will wake the dawn!"

Away to the east, a golden crack appears in the night sky!

Dick Duerksen
Assistant Vice President
Mission development
Florida Hospital