Be Exalted, O God, Above The Highest Heavens

Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens! May your glory shine over all the earth. Psalm 57:5

The occasion behind the writing of Psalm 57 occurred when David hid in a cave to escape King Saul. It captures the essence of trusting in God’s protection and mercy in the midst of adversity.

We have sung the chorus of this Psalm, “Be exalted, O God, above the heavens,” many times. Usually, lifting our voices in church as the congregation worships together.

But its historical backdrop gives depth to David’s words. He was not in the comfort of a palace. As the jealous King Saul pursued him, he found himself hiding for his life.

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Despite his fear and circumstances, David cried out to God. He demonstrated an unwavering faith in the Lord’s power to save and deliver him.

David divided Psalm 57 into two main parts, and both of them concluded with the same chorus. Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens! May your glory shine over all the earth.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy! I look to you for protection. I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until the danger passes by. Psalm 57:1

He began this Psalm with an urgent plea. He asked the Lord to have mercy on him. The repetition of his request for mercy highlights the intensity of his need.

In this context, mercy means more than just asking for God’s forgiveness. David sought to receive God’s compassionate intervention in his time of distress.

The Protection of God

David used the imagery of a young bird taking refuge under the wings of its mother. This metaphor portrays God as a loving protector who shelters His children from danger.

The phrase “until the danger passes by” indicated that, in David’s hope, his trial would soon pass. He depended on the sufficiency of God’s protection to carry him through.

I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill his purpose for me. He will send help from heaven to rescue me, disgracing those who hound me. Psalm 57:2-3

When we face spiritual attacks, overwhelming circumstances, or fears of the unknown, we can run to God’s presence. We can “hide” under His promises and trust Him to shield us.

David declared God’s power to rescue him from the seemingly impossible spot he found himself in. But even then, he wanted to make sure God understood the gravity of his situation.

I am surrounded by fierce lions who greedily devour human prey—whose teeth pierce like spears and arrows, and whose tongues cut like swords. Psalm 57:4

He noted that the enemy often attacks with both physical and verbal assaults. But with the imagery of his description of “fierce lions,” it reminds us of the reality of spiritual warfare.

Yet, instead of focusing solely on his fear, David immediately turned his attention to God’s greatness. Then he transitioned to praise by singing, “Be exalted, O God.”

Despite his situation, David glorified God. He understood that God’s glory does not diminish because of his circumstances. In fact, the darker the situation, the brighter God’s glory shines.

When confronted with opposition, whether physical or spiritual, we must lift our eyes to God’s sovereignty. Worship amid trials confuses the enemy and strengthens our faith.

Paul and Silas Exalted God

In Philippi, Paul and Silas received a beating, and afterwards they threw them in prison. With bleeding stripes across their backs and suffering excruciating pain, they worshiped God.

Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! Acts 16:25-26

I wonder if one of the songs they sang while chained in that prison came from this Psalm. “Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens! May your glory shine over all the earth.”

How many times have we read in the Bible how God turns traps into triumphs? He did for Paul and Silas. He also rescued David from many tight spots.

My enemies have set a trap for me. I am weary from distress. They have dug a deep pit in my path, but they themselves have fallen into it. My heart is confident in you, O God; my heart is confident. No wonder I can sing your praises! Psalm 57:6-7

David acknowledged that his enemies laid traps for him. But those traps ensnared his enemies instead of him. This reflects God’s justice—He turns the plans of the wicked back on themselves.

David rejoiced with confidence in God! He based his confidence on God’s faithfulness, not on his own strength. He couldn’t help but sing God’s praises.

Remember, when the enemy sets traps for us—through lies, discouragement, or sin—that God is in control. Romans 8:28 says, God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.

Let God Be Exalted in Times of Fear

So, let’s not succumb to fear. Instead, we can declare with confidence that God will turn our trials into testimonies. When the enemy thinks he has us cornered, know this! He doesn’t!

This Psalm concludes with a powerful call to worship. David stirred his soul. He commanded himself to “wake up” and praise God. Not private praise, but proclaimed among the nations.

Wake up, my heart! Wake up, O lyre and harp! I will wake the dawn with my song. I will thank you, Lord, among all the people. And I will sing your praises among the nations. For your unfailing love is as high as the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Psalm 57:8-10

The final verses celebrate God’s unfailing love and faithfulness. These attributes limitlessly reach “as high as the heavens” and “to the clouds.”

Even in seasons of waiting or hardship, we can choose to praise God. Worship shifts our focus from our problems to the greatness of our Savior.

Like Paul and Silas, God can break your chains of bondage. Like David, proclaim God’s love to others. We can use our testimonies to encourage and strengthen the faith of those around us.

When the Enemy Attacks, Let God be Exalted

When the enemy attacks, we can exalt God’s name, declaring His power and sovereignty. Then when he sets traps against us, we can trust God to turn them into triumphs.

In the darkest caves of life, we can awaken our hearts to sing praises to God, whose love never fails. “Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May your glory shine over all the earth.”

Lord, when circumstances seem overwhelming, strengthen our hearts to remain confident in you. As you fulfill your purposes in our lives, may we bring glory to your name, now and forever.

Meta Description: This powerful Christian devotion encourages believers to trust in the mercy of our exalted God during trials as we stand firm in faith, and praising Him in every circumstance.

Read what the Bible says about rejoicing in our exalted God.