This psalm is David’s prayer for safekeeping, pleading for the Lord’s protection against the threat of death. The petition element in his psalms is often relatively short because he trusts that God knows his need even before he asks Him (cf. Matt. 6:8). In this sense, this psalm can also be called a psalm of trust. This psalm has the superscription of “A miktam of David.” The term remains unexplained, though it always comes with Davidic prayers occasioned by great dangers (see Ps. 56-60).

David’s trust in God for his protection is built on his love for Him. His obedience also flows from his love and affection for Him; “apart from you I have no good thing” (v.2). Because he loves God, he also loves His people (v.3). He loves God as his shepherd (vv.5-7; Ps 23); He counsels him even at night. He keeps His words in his heart (v.7b).

In verses 9-11, David describes his joy of total security. The Lord, in whom he takes refuge, wills life for him and will not abandon him to the grave even though “flesh and…heart…fail” (Ps. 73:26). Implicit in these words of assurance is the confidence that even the grave cannot rob him of life. If this could be said of David, how much more of David’s promised Son! (Acts 2:25-28).
Application: Father, thank you for giving me the words of trust and confidence in you. Help me trust in you always. Amen.
One Word: “I take refuge in you”