April 10, 2024

Keeping Faith #

Psalm 54:1-9

Introduction

Who are the Ziphims? - The title mentions them. We have a fascinating Psalm that is pinned to a specific time in David’s life. This was a difficult time in David’s life at best. He constantly had to be on the move, he constantly had to watch his back. He literally lived like a wild animal being hunted. Yet through it all, he maintained his sanity, faith, and life.

I. Fickleness of Men (Ps 54:1-3 “strangers”) #

Background - 1 Sam 23:16-19

Jonathon visited David, on a friendly note, and perhaps unintentionally stirred attention to David.
- Jonathon was the king’s son, people notice.
- Perhaps it was just the band of men hiding in the wilderness. (1 Sam 22:2) 400 hiding.
Why did these men turn on David?
- Not a personal vendetta – David didn’t harm
- David had not hurt Ziph, he was hiding out!

A. Concern (fear) #

1. Perhaps fear? #

They thought David to be criminal, dangerous

2. Perhaps they thought Saul attack them for harboring a fugitive #

B. Corruption or Selfish Gain #

1. Financial gain #

2. Influential gain (political power) #

3. Pride (I was the one who saved the kingdom) #

4. Temptation – Satan dangled a carrot they chased. #

C. Commitment (1 Sam 26:1-2) #

1. These strangers were committed to bringing down David and his men. #

2Chr. 32:8 With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.

II. Faith of David (Ps 54:1-2, 4-5) #

A. Call to God (1-2) #

1. It is easy to become distracted at the attacks of man #

B. Confidence in God (4) #

1. God is not visible – yet His work is! #

2. God’s working in our life should be recognized by us. #

1Sam. 17:37 David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.

C. Confidence in God to defeat enemies (5) #

Eph. 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

1. Our enemy is a spiritual enemy #

2. He is defeated in prayer, not by direct attacks. #

III. Faithfulness of God (Ps 54:6-7) #

A. God’s name is Good (Ps 54:6) #

Psa. 92:1 ¶ It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:

1. God’s name is a revered name throughout history. #

B. God delivers! (Ps 54:7) #

1. God had proven himself over and over in David’s life. #

2. God provides victory (1 Sam 23:26) #

3. God will not fail you! #

Heb. 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Prov. 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Prov. 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.