Psalm Meditation 1335 ¶Second Sunday After the Epiphany ¶January 18, 2026 ¶Psalm 59 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2059&version=NRSVUE ¶The most useful tool of those in power is fear. Fear can get us to watch for enemies before they enter our communities, and it can get us to see enemies in friends, relatives, acquaintances, and neighbors. If we are being threatened by an actual malicious enemy, the fear can be real and helpful. If we are being distracted from something important by fear-mongering, the fear is a manipulation of our self protective instincts. For whatever reason it is used fear is a very effective tool. ¶If the introduction to this psalm has been attached from the beginning, we can see that all Saul needed to do is make it appear that he is out to kill David for David to be extra vigilant. To David’s credit, he turns to God for deliverance from the threat with which Saul has weighed him down. David is being intimidated by sounds of strength and fury that are deeply upsetting. However, rather than being cowed by the threats David gives the whole situation over to God and lifts his own voice in singing as a sign of his assurance that God is in this situation. ¶The specter of intimidation and violence hangs over each of us at some time in our lives. It may or may not be at the same level as that experienced by David, however we have a great example from him as to how we face it. Rise or fall, live or die we can face all manner of hurts and harms when we rest secure in the presence of the living God. ¶January 12, 2026 ¶LCM