I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill his purpose for me.

Psalm 57:2

David composed Psalm 57 when he was surrounded by his enemies, who were like “fierce lions” (57:4). Thus he cried out to God for mercy and protection: “I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill his purpose for me” (57:2).

The high elevation of God emphasized in the title “God Most High” (’elohim ’elyon) is reiterated in the refrain of Psalm 57: “Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens! May your glory shine over all the earth” (57:5, 11). God is more glorious, more powerful, and more worthy of praise than anything else in all creation.

Thus when David says that God “will fulfill his purpose for me,” this is not some hopeful wish, but rather a confident conviction. Because God is “Most High,” he has the power and authority to do whatever he desires. He will bring to fruition his plans for David. . . .

And for us too. If we put our trust in the Lord, if we seek to honor him with our lives, then he will fulfill his purpose for each one of us. We find an echo of Psalm 57:2 in the first chapter of Paul’s letter to the Philippians: “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns” (1:6).

Sometimes it can seem as if our lives are pointless, filled with empty routines. Our plans and hopes are scuttled by an economic crisis, a physical illness, or a broken relationship. We can become discouraged, fearful that our efforts will add up to nothing. In these times, we are encouraged by the truth of Psalm 57:2 and its echoes throughout the Bible. God will, indeed, fulfill his purpose for you.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: What is God’s purpose(s) for your life? How have you experienced God’s faithfulness to fulfill his purpose for you?

PRAYER: Gracious God, what a marvelous affirmation and encouragement in Psalm 57. How good it is to know that you will fulfill your purpose for me. My heart yearns for this reality, so that my life might really matter. Let it be so, Lord! May your plans for me come to fulfillment.

Help me, O God, to know your purpose for me so that I might cooperate with you each day. Teach me to live for your purpose every moment, wherever I am.

Today I’m reminded that you are not just any god, but God Most High. You are more powerful, more glorious, more gracious, more majestic than any being in all creation. “Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens! May your glory shine over all the earth!” Amen.