David’s Praise to God

Pursued by Saul, David finds himself hemmed in on every side by the waves of death. There, with nowhere left to run, he begins to praise God.

What brought David through Saul’s relentless persecution was not his own will or effort; it was God, who protected him to the very end. Saul, by contrast, having gained absolute power, began to look down at the tops of his people’s heads rather than into their faces, and the pride that took hold of his heart led him to ruin.

The temple can fall and rank can crumble, but God’s mercy and judgment see exactly what lies in a person’s heart. David did not come before God to have his wishes granted; he stood before him without condition, because God is his Father. The task of the life that remains is to give thanks in every moment, so that at the last one’s place may be with God.