1. Today’s Sermon: Psalm 56&57, “Supplication for Deliverance and Grateful Trust in God / Prayer for Rescue from Persecutors” by pastor Jim Bomkamp

2. Prev. background for Psalm 54 1. Another prayer by King David for deliverance from enemies. 2. The extremities and variable aspect of the life of King David. 3. The context in which King David wrote this Psalm: 1 Samuel 23:19; 1 Samuel 23:29; 1 Samuel 26:1-25

3. Prev. background for Psalm 55 1. We saw that this Psalm most likely was inspired by the betrayal by King David’s most trusted advisor, Ahithophel. 2. 3. We saw in this Psalm quite a description of spiritual warfare

4. Background for Psalm 56 1. We will look at King David as an example of what to do when troubles and persecution come your way. 2. King David admits that he often fears, and we will look at what his response is to his fearing. 3. According to the Bible Knowledge Commentary the situation in King David’s life that led to him writing this Psalm is found in 1 Sam. 21.

5. Psalm 56:1-7, “1 Be gracious to me, O God, for man has trampled upon me; Fighting all day long he oppresses me. 2 My foes have trampled upon me all day long, For they are many who fight proudly against me. 3 When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. 4 In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me? 5 All day long they distort my words; All their thoughts are against me for evil. 6 They attack, they lurk, They watch my steps, As they have waited to take my life. 7 Because of wickedness, cast them forth, In anger put down the peoples, O God!”

6. Psalm 56:8, “8 You have taken account of my wanderings; Put my tears in Your bottle. Are they not in Your book?”

7. Psalm 56:9-13, “9 Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call; This I know, that God is for me. 10 In God, whose word I praise, In the Lord, whose word I praise, 11 In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me? 12 Your vows are binding upon me, O God; I will render thank offerings to You. 13 For You have delivered my soul from death, Indeed my feet from stumbling, So that I may walk before God In the light of the living.”

8. Background for Psalm 57 1.The circumstance that inspired this Psalm for King David was that event when he and his men were hiding in the cave, and King Saul and all 3,000 of his men came into the cave: 1 Samuel 24

9. Psalm 57:1-6, “1 Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious to me, For my soul takes refuge in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge Until destruction passes by. 2 I will cry to God Most High, To God who accomplishes all things for me. 3 He will send from heaven and save me; He reproaches him who tramples upon me.Selah. God will send forth His lovingkindness and His truth. 4 My soul is among lions; I must lie among those who breathe forth fire, Even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows And their tongue a sharp sword. 5 Be exalted above the heavens, O God; Let Your glory be above all the earth. 6 They have prepared a net for my steps; My soul is bowed down; They dug a pit before me; They themselves have fallen into the midst of it. Selah.”

10. Psalm 57: 7-11, “7 My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises! 8 Awake, my glory! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. 9 I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to You among the nations. 10 For Your lovingkindness is great to the heavens And Your truth to the clouds. 11 Be exalted above the heavens, O God; Let Your glory be above all the earth.”