In this psalm David is looking back on a bad time. The last period at the court of king Saul had been a time of 'going down'. He was an important man, general in the army, close friend of Jonathan, the intended throne- follower.
But now that king Saul was against David, all good things had gone. - Former friends, now having become enemies, press their attack,1 - Slanderers are pursuing him all day long,2 - proud people, now seeing their chance, are after him,3 - everyone, formerly listening to him, is now twisting his words, - the plotting to harm the general becomes more and more dangerous, 5 - all those courtiers, formerly so respectful, have changed into conspirers, who watch David's steps like a group of hungry lions, chasing an old, lost, doomed elephant, 6
And now it had all become too threatening. he had to run for safety. And now , fled to the court of a enemous king.... a man does queer things, when he is at a loss what to do ....the officials of that king have recognized him and brought him to the king. And only a trick has brought him into safety.( 1 Samuel 21 v 10- 14).
And now he is recovering from all this, from his loss of position and all that followed. And he recapitulates: - when I am afraid I will trust in you (God),3 - I praise your word, 4 - I shall no longer be afraid, - what can mortal man do to me - you, my God..you list my tears on your scroll - are they not in your record,8
My dears; you also have your enemies. Not the kind of enemies David had. Kings of those days were not sure about their lives, they lived a dangerous life.
But also common citizens of our days in peaceful countries as most of us live in,....they also have enemies - pursuing, slandering, word-twisting. - plotting, harming, conspiring, The devil and his demons are watching you. They can however do nothing, if they find nothing in your personality, in which they can put their crows, their climb-irons, their jemmies .
And if there are manco's in your personality in spite of all your prayers, if there is too much 'eye for the world', there are God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit to watch over you. And they send their angels, ministering spirits, sent to serve those who will inherit salvation, (Hebr. 1 v 14).
So, my dears, take courage. Your tears are known to the Lord, Ps 56 v 8.
