God hides some of His sweetest blessings in the most unusual places. Psalm 59 illustrates this truth most eloquently.
This instructive composition begins with David’s request for divine deliverance. “Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; defend me from those who rise up against me. Deliver me from the workers of iniquity and save me from bloodthirsty men. For look, they lie in wait for my life; the mighty gather against me, not for my transgression nor for my sin, O Lord. They run and prepare themselves through no fault of mine” (vv. 1-4).
The psalm ends with David’s rejoicing because of divine defense. “But I will sing of Your power; yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; for You have been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble. To You, O my Strength, I will sing praises; for God is my defense, my God of mercy” (vv. 16-17).
Joy while being persecuted for righteousness’ sake is a most unexpected blessing. David experienced it while being hunted by King Saul’s men. Paul and Silas experienced it when imprisoned in Philippi (Acts 16). Jesus experienced it while enduring the hostility of sinners against Himself (Hebrews 12:2-3).
God’s ways are not our ways.
