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We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 54  Listen to Psalm 54 It is thought that the description at the start of the psalm relates to the Ziphites’ betrayal of David to Saul. It is probably the historical situation described in 1 Samuel 23:19-29 and David feels abandoned and betrayed. It is one of a few psalms with specific musical direction – to be played with stringed instruments. David starts with a prayer for deliverance. He appeals to God’s name (nature and character) and his strength (great power). His rescue would be his vindication and his enemies would see that David was in the right and they were in the wrong when his prayer is answered. He confidently asks God to hear and act. He describes the grave danger he faces. The strangers were probably Ziphites, who were Israelites, but it seems they had rejected David and God and were wanting to deliver David to his enemy, so he fears for his life. The word ‘Selah’ comes at the end of verse 3 and it is seen in many other psalms. It could mean stop and think, pray, make music, or pause and exalt the Lord. David anticipates deliverance and has confidence in God to help him in his adversity and he does not question the goodness of God, but he appeals to it. He asks that his enemy should be destroyed, but Jesus told us to pray for our enemies (Matthew 5:43-44). I guess David was wanting good to triumph and for God to do his work against those who do evil. He asks God to serve as judge on his behalf. We should not judge or punish our enemies, but leave this to God (Romans 12:19). He says he will give a freewill offering, which he didn’t need to do, but it was given out of his gratitude. We are not sure, but it seems that this may even have been before he sees his prayer being answered. During his life David was in real danger several times, but he trusted God to keep him safe. He knew God had been faithful in the past and had delivered him from all his troubles. It’s hard to thank and praise God and trust him when things are very difficult and we don’t see answers, but with God on our side, we can know he will deliver us and always wants the best for us. Thank you Lord, that you are always with us and will keep us safe. Help us to love those we feel are unlovely and to pray for people we find difficult.