(Psalm 57:1) In you I take refuge.

David is on the run from Saul, who is determined to kill him. He is hiding in a cold, dark cave—alone, desperate, and surrounded by danger.

This is not merely a difficult moment or a bad day. David is facing the real possibility of death.

Saul and his army are closing in, and there appears to be no escape.

In the midst of his fear, David turns his attention to God’s character. He cries out for mercy, and lifts his heart to the Lord. 

Rather than allowing fear to control him, he takes refuge “in the shadow of God’s wings.” Picture the protection of a mother bird sheltering her young. 

Even in the darkness of the cave, David is confident that God is neither distant nor inactive. David trusts that, in some way, God will be present.

Through the Holy Spirit, David’s faith moves him beyond his fear and into praise. Instead of being overwhelmed, he lifts his heart in worship. 

He fixes his mind on God’s greatness and on his faithful promises, knowing that God’s love and faithfulness are constant and unending—not temporary or unreliable.

Whether in the frustrations of our daily life or in our own dark “cave experiences,” we are called to respond in the same way. We must resist fear and lift our hearts to God in praise, because he is our refuge.

Through sincere heart-worship, God’s light breaks into our circumstances, no matter how dark they may seem at the moment.  

Our praise is not rooted in our changing situations in life, but in the unchanging character of God. In his care for us, he works all things toward our good.

Let’s take refuge in God with confidence, trusting that he has a purpose for our lives and that he will accomplish it. 

As Psalm 57 reminds us that at all times God is present and faithful.

Let’s open up our hearts and lift them up to God. 

Let’s take refuge in God at all times!