This Psalm, similar to some others, was written during (or shortly after) a time of David being hunted by Saul. Once more his location is revealed to Saul by traitors and David is trying to flee capture/death.
“O God, save me by your name, and vindicate me by your might. O God, hear my prayer; give ear to the words of my mouth. For strangers have risen against me; ruthless men seek my life; they do not set God before themselves. Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life. He will return the evil to my enemies; in your faithfulness put an end to them. With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you; I will give thanks to your name, O Lord, for it is good. For he has delivered me from every trouble, and my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies.” (v1-7)
If we assume this Psalm was written during the period of great distress (which it may very well have), it reveals the depth of David’s great faith. Not only is he acknowledging his helplessness in the situation, he’s thanking God in advance for his deliverance from their hands.
David correctly identifies that God is his helper, and the enemies are in God’s hands, not David’s for David knows he is outmatched. I often feel outmatched in life – there are so many tragedies, trials, tribulations all of which are outside my control. Only God is big enough to handle these difficult times.
Father God, we praise You in advance for Your deliverance from circumstance – when people oppose us, when sickness ails us, when finances fail us, when natural disasters uproot us, when violence wrongs us, and when grief cripples us, only You have the power to heal and deliver. You are our helper O Lord, to You we lift our voices in praise and prayer. To You we lift our hands in surrender, knowing that on our own we cannot overcome, only the Lord of this universe can aid us.
~ Conqueror in Training