Daily Thought

The psalm presents a situation of difficulty and danger for David. Quite possibly it relates to his outlaw life in the time of Saul. David pleads his just cause and looks to the Lord to save and vindicate him.

There are many challenges for us in the psalm, vv. 3-5, but also a beautiful appreciation by David of his God, ‘thy marvellous lovingkindness’, v. 7. In addition, there is the care of the Lord for His own, as indicated in today’s title.

‘The shadow of thy wings’, v. 8, is a favourite figure in the psalms, taken from the care of the mother bird for her young, 36. 7; 57. 1; 61. 4; 63. 7; 91. 4 (See Matt. 23. 37). It is a striking picture of the Lord providing refuge and rejoicing for His own people. David says, ‘Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble’, Ps. 32. 7. Others, like Zephaniah, encouraged the people to find hiding and refuge in the Lord, Zeph. 2. 3. For the Christian, his life is hid with Christ in God, Col. 3. 3.

David requests of the Lord, ‘keep me’ and ‘hide me’, v. 8. We are precious to the Lord and need to be guarded with the utmost care, ‘as the apple of the eye’. In addition, we need to be under special protection when danger threatens - ‘under the shadow of thy wings’.

David prays for protection from those who bitterly oppose him. He looks outside of himself to the Lord for His special care in dangerous circumstances. With lions about, v. 12, he particularly needs the refuge provided by the Lord, Ps. 91. 1-4.

It is a most personal matter - ‘me’. There is a time for corporate concerns in prayer, but in trying times we will be found with a personal request on our lips, Luke 5. 12; 18. 13, 38, 39; 23. 42. The Lord is concerned for us as individuals and David recognizes His vital interest concerning his personal welfare.

The provision of the Lord is seen, ‘under the shadow of thy wings’. Not above where danger still lurks but under. And not only ‘under thy wings’ but ‘under the shadow of thy wings’, indicating great care in the protection being provided. Finally, the full provision is available - not wing but ‘wings’. It reminds us of the ‘so great salvation’ found in our Lord Jesus Christ, Heb. 2. 3. He not only saves but keeps us safe and secure from all alarms.