Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!

In a world obsessed with self-promotion, this cry from David reorients our hearts. It reminds us that the ultimate goal of our lives is not to lift up our own name—but God's. Whether in triumph or in trial, David’s priority is not his personal safety or reputation, but God’s glory.

David exalts the Lord because God is steadfast in His love, even in the darkest moments (vv. 1–5). Psalm 57 was not written from a place of comfort, but from a cave. David was fleeing for his life, hiding from Saul. Danger was real. Fear was close. Yet in that dark and uncertain place, David clung to something unshakable: the steadfast love of God.

Surrounded by enemies—men like lions, with teeth like spears and tongues like sharp swords—David describes his situation as a storm of destruction (v.4). But he does not despair. He declares with confidence that God will send help from heaven and save him (v.3). Why? Because God is faithful. His love is not moody; His promises are not seasonal. His steadfast love reaches to the heavens, and His faithfulness stretches to the clouds (v.10).

David also exalts the Lord becausehe himself is called to be steadfast in return (vv. 6–11). In response to God’s unfailing love, David stirs himself to worship. “My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast! I will sing and make melody!” (v.7) He doesn’t wait for deliverance to begin praising. He sings while still in the cave. He awakens the dawn with music (v.8), using every part of himself—his heart, his voice, even his instruments—to glorify God. His praise becomes a public witness, proclaiming God's greatness among the nations (v.9).

David teaches us this truth: Because God is steadfast in our trials, we can remain steadfast to Him—by exalting Him in all circumstances.

This is where Psalm 57 speaks deeply to us. You may feel like you're in a cave today—a place of pressure, uncertainty, or fear. You may be surrounded by situations that cut and wound like spears and arrows. But like David, you don’t have to wait for the storm to end before you worship. Let praise rise before the answer comes. Anchor your heart in God’s unchanging love and respond with unwavering praise.

Dear brothers and sisters, what does exalting God looks like in your life? How can we practice exalting God by making our thanksgiving prayers or sharing testimony with people daily? Can we sing to the Lord daily during our time with Him? David praised in the dark. He sang before the sunrise. His worship lit up the cave—and pointed to the glory of God that belongs not just in heaven, but across the whole earth.

So today, echo his prayer:

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let Your glory be over all the earth!

No matter your circumstance, let your heart be anchored in God’s steadfast love—and lifted in steadfast praise.

Prayer:

Lord, when my surroundings feel unstable, remind me that Your love is steadfast. Teach my heart to remain firm—not because my problems are small, but because You are great. Help me exalt You in every circumstance, just as David did. May my life bring glory to You, even from the cave. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens. Let Your glory be over all the earth. Amen.