Psalm 59 is such a sweet psalm to me.  Admittedly, it starts out with some not-so-sweet language as David compares his enemies to a pack of hungry, angry dogs. But he eventually shifts his focus back to God. And the words that stand out to me, the sentiment that is so sweet to me, is his confident assurance in the Lord’s presence and protection, his faith even in the midst of an overwhelming situation.

When David prayed these words, he was literally trapped.  In 1 Samuel 19, we read that he was trapped in his house as Saul’s men encamped around it, waiting to kill him.  His enemies surrounded him, but he knew that even more so, the protection of God surrounded him.  “You, O God, are my fortress, my loving God.” Psalm 59:9 NIV

We see a similar account in 2 Kings 6:15-18.  The King of Aram waged war against the people of God.  The prophet Elisha was instrumental in their defense strategy, resulting in their victory at every turn.  So, the King of Aram made Elisha his target.  Under the cover of night, his troops advanced one by one until an army surrounded Elisha’s city. 

In the morning, he and his servant awoke to an onslaught.  But Elisha was unmoved because that was not all he saw.  He told his companion, as they took in the warriors, the horses, the chariots all lined up against them, “Don’t be afraid…Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 2 Kings 6:16 NIV

In the face of insurmountable odds, Elisha had a choice.  He could look at the enemy’s army or he could look at what God was doing.  And Elisha chose to see the big picture – the angelic protection that was there all along.  He chose to see through the eyes of faith.