Psalms 57 · Grade 5

My Heart Is Steadfast

Name Date

Read and Think

The title of Psalm 57 says David wrote it when he fled from Saul, in the cave. It is set to the tune Do Not Destroy. From a hiding place in the rock, David asks for mercy and says his soul takes refuge in God. In the shadow of your wings is a picture of a bird sheltering its young, and David says he will stay there until disaster has passed.

The danger is real. David lies among those who are set on fire, whose teeth are spears and arrows. Yet the psalm turns twice on the same refrain: Be exalted, God, above the heavens! Let your glory be above all the earth! David's problems are large, but he wants God to look larger. His enemies dig a pit and fall into it themselves.

The second half is pure praise. My heart is steadfast, God. My heart is steadfast. David will wake up the dawn with lute and harp, instead of waiting for the dawn to wake him. He will give thanks among the peoples, for God's great loving kindness reaches to the heavens, and his truth to the skies. Much of this praise is repeated in Psalm 108.

Show What You Know

What picture lies behind the shadow of your wings?
What is the refrain of the psalm?
What does it mean that David will wake up the dawn?
Which later psalm repeats this praise?

Crossword

Across

In the ____ of your wings.
I will ____ praises to you among the nations.

Down

My heart is ____.
In the shadow of your ____.
I will wake up the ____.

Think About It

How can praising God change the way a problem looks to you?
What would it look like for your heart to be steadfast this week?

Memory Verse

“For your great loving kindness reaches to the heavens, and your truth to the skies.”

Psalms 57:10 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for waking me with a song. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

How can a heart fixed on God steady your feelings during a crisis?
How is praise an act of trust?
What is one way you could live out this chapter this week?