August 17, 2025

Lead Me On, O God

Pastor: Tyrell Haag Passage: Psalm 57:1–11

Sermon Title: Lead Me On, O God
Scripture Text: Psalm 57

1. Key Scriptures

  • Psalm 57 (primary text)

  • 1 Samuel 24 – David spares Saul in the cave

  • Deuteronomy 32:11 – God as the eagle sheltering His young

  • Exodus 34:6 – God’s steadfast love and faithfulness

  • Ezekiel 32:2; Jeremiah 2:15; 1 Peter 5:8 – Lion imagery for enemies and Satan

  • Psalm 22:13 – The Messiah surrounded by roaring mouths

  • Psalm 52:2; James 3:6 – The tongue as a weapon

  • Habakkuk 2:14 – God’s glory filling the earth

  • John 12:28 – Jesus prays for the Father’s glory

  • 2 Timothy 4:17 – Paul delivered from the lion’s mouth

  • Exodus 14:27–28 – Pharaoh’s downfall at the Red Sea

  • Esther 7:9–10 – Haman hanged on his own gallows

  • Daniel 6:24 – Daniel’s accusers thrown into the lions’ den

  • Philippians 1:20 – Christ honored in life or death

2. Sermon Flow & Takeaways

I. The Refuge of Mercy (vv. 1–3)

David appeals to God’s mercy, not his merit, taking refuge “under the shadow of His wings” until the storm passes.

  • Takeaways:

    • Anchor in God’s character, not in your “cave.”

    • Refuge is more than escape, it’s safety until the threat is over.

II. The Reality of Danger (v. 4)

David lies among “lions,” both human and spiritual, whose weapons are physical and verbal.

  • Takeaways:

    • Faith names danger honestly but refuses to make it ultimate.

    • The tongue can be as deadly as a spear, decide who will have the last word in your life.

III. The Refrain of Glory (v. 5)

In the middle of threat, David interrupts himself with praise, fixing his eyes on God’s supremacy.

  • Takeaways:

    • True worship reorients the heart away from self to God’s glory.

    • If your aim is His glory, even the cave can be a platform.

IV. The Turning Point (v. 6)

The trap set for David ensnares his enemies instead, a “signature move” of God’s justice.

  • Takeaways:

    • Malice boomerangs; God can reverse schemes without warning.

    • Trust His providence even when you can’t see the hinge moment yet.

V. The Song of the Steadfast Heart (vv. 7–11)

David moves from “bowed down” to “steadfast,” summoning himself to praise before dawn breaks.

  • Takeaways:

    • You awaken the dawn by singing in the dark.

    • God’s deliverance is meant to be shared publicly, grace is never to be privatized.

Conclusion — From Cave to Cathedral

David’s heart changes before his circumstances do, pointing to Christ, who entered the ultimate cave of death and rose to bring the eternal dawn.

  • Takeaways:

    • Hide under His wings.

    • Fix your heart on His mercy and truth.

    • Sing, because the dawn is already on its way.

3. Primary Sources (cited)

  • Charles Spurgeon, The Treasury of David

  • Derek Kidner, Psalms 1–72: An Introduction and Commentary (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries)

  • James Montgomery Boice, Psalms: An Expositional Commentary, Vol. 2

  • Allen P. Ross, A Commentary on the Psalms: Volume 2 (42–89)

  • Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible