In this psalm there is wonderfully weaved a mixture of David’s calling upon the Lord and David giving thanks for past deliverances.

David uses strong terms to describe his hope in God such as refuge, rock and fortress (v1-4). Verse 5 contains words that Jesus quoted on the cross.  This shows us that Jesus, in His time of greatest suffering was using the Psalms to help and strengthen Him. We would do well to follow His example.

David’s expresses his strong opposition to those who worship idols (v6), not because of personal animosity to them but out of his faith in God’s glory.

The Psalm should bring home to us the reality of enemies that we have to face. Paul reminds us that today our primary enemies are not people but the spiritual forces of wickedness (Ephesians 6 v12). These are real enemies who will scheme and do whatever they can to bring us down. In this battle we must constantly flee to God as our refuge, rock and fortress.

The Psalm gives us a great lesson as to how we can pray with confidence, it is by focusing on God’s nature and giving thanksgiving for what God has done in the past. As we pray we need to let God’s truth about Himself minister to our hearts to guide, strengthen and encourage us as we pray.