God’s Powerful Name in Psalm 54 Faithfully Upholds

David cries out with incredible faith. He asks God to save him by his name. What a powerful name!

“O God, save me by your name, and vindicate me by your might.” Psalm 54:1

When I was thrust into loss, I found myself at times simply saying the names of God. One name I remember vividly experiencing was the name El Roi. I knew God saw me because he told me so, and he let me know by having two separate groups pray for me on a trip to Maine taken to honor my wife and our marriage on my first anniversary after my loss.

Miraculous.

Paul said of Jesus in Ephesians 1:21 that he was “…far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named…” In Philippians 2:9-10, Paul states, “God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth…”

Indeed, God save us by your beautiful and powerful name. And defend us by your powerful might.

“O God, hear my prayer; give ear to the words of my mouth.” Psalm 54:2

David knows God saves and vindicates, and he makes his request known to God. He asks God to listen to the prayer he delivers with his own mouth. Believing prayer is an act of faith. We know he is, and he hears our prayers.

“For strangers have risen against me; ruthless men seek my life; they do not set God before themselves.” Psalm 54:3

David is in need. Merciless strangers seek his life. Basically, these heartless men put themselves first and do not acknowledge God. As Peter says that Christ is to these who are against the name of our Lord, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense” (1 Peter 2:8). These who are stumbling and offended turn on us. Loss can feel like that, too. Heart-rending loss feels like the opposite of mercy. If you’re in pain, you’re in need of help. We turn with Peter to “The stone that the builders rejected” (1 Peter 2:7).

“Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life. He will return the evil to my enemies; in your faithfulness put an end to them.” Psalm 54:4-5

Isaiah 19:20 says, “When they cry to the Lord because of oppressors, he will send them a savior and defender, and deliver them.” A cornerstone. In the face of evil enemies, David needs a defender. David needs an upholder when he cannot help himself. David cries out for God to be faithful and end the pain and ruthlessness.

“With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you; I will give thanks to your name, O Lord, for it is good.” Psalm 54:6

David circles back to praise and honor the name of his Lord. This name that saves and vindicates is worthy of adoration. David gives thanks to his God’s good name. He spontaneously offers a sacrifice to acknowledge his God.

He praises and gives thanks because God has rescued him out of every trouble and delivered triumph for him. Be it evil attack from man or the loss of brokenness, God rescues and vindicates us by the power of his name.

“For he has delivered me from every trouble, and my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies.” Psalm 54:7