These Calamities



"Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in Thee: yea, in the shadow of Thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast." -Psalm 57:1 [KJV]

The Psalmist speaks of what he calls “these calamities.” All people experience “these calamities” of life whether they be afflictions, trials or troubles. The difference that grace makes among men is demonstrated in where or to whom one goes to for comfort, help and refuge. This is said to be a psalm of David when he was in the cave while hiding as Saul pursued him to take his life. David’s calamities were his alone as are ours. But notice his plea, it is for God to be merciful to him. He did not deserve God’s mercy as I don’t but, in Christ and through Him, we seek it and find it. His trust was in God alone and as we know, God blessed him as He does all who trust in Him alone. We have no confidence in the flesh and our trust, being God-given faith, relies solely upon Him.

Furthermore, our calamities are not only outward caused by the circumstances around us and those like Saul who bring them about. No, they are inward as well and maybe even greater. The word “calamities” in this verse can also mean “desire.” Desire of the ruinous kind. The continued lusts of the flesh even in believers like David, can be deadly. Only God can help us and we pray as David that He would keep us like little chicks or birds under the watchful eye and care of their mothers: “in the shadow of Thy wings.” There is also a blessed assurance here and comfort. These calamities will pass! There is an end to them, if not before, when we are soon in the presence of our Savior God. Christ spoke of them as being for “a little while.” Paul said they’re not worthy to be compared to the glory that shall be revealed in us.

The Psalmist looks to God’s mercy, keeping and protection as his “refuge” “until these calamities be overpast.” They all are like storm clouds that may be over us at the moment but will pass. Then notice his words in the next verse: “I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.” Even these calamities are sent of our loving heavenly Father who sends them for our spiritual and eternal good and His glory. These calamities are often severe and frightful as was David’s; but we pray for grace that we might flee to our God for refuge, to Christ who is our Refuge, that we might have peace and be comforted of soul. These calamities will pass!


-Gospel report by preacher Gary Shepard
Sovereign Grace Baptist Church of Jacksonville, North Carolina USA
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