A Devotion on Psalm 28: Finding Strength in God’s Response

As I sit with Psalm 28, I feel David’s heart beating through the words—a raw, honest cry to God that resonates with my own moments of desperation and hope. This psalm is like a lifeline, reminding me that when I call out to God, He hears, He responds, and He becomes my strength.

David begins with a plea: “To you, Lord, I call; you are my Rock, do not turn a deaf ear to me” (Psalm 28:1, NIV). I can picture him, maybe in a quiet moment of fear or surrounded by chaos, begging God not to be silent. I’ve been there—those times when life feels overwhelming, when I wonder if God is listening. Maybe you’ve felt it too: the weight of unanswered prayers, the fear that God might be distant. But David calls God his Rock, a steady, unmovable refuge. It’s a reminder that even when I don’t feel God’s presence, He is still my foundation, solid and sure.

As the psalm unfolds, David’s tone shifts from pleading to confidence: “Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy” (Psalm 28:6). This shift hits me deeply. It’s not just that God hears, but that He responds with mercy. I think of moments in my life when I’ve cried out—during a season of loss, a struggle with doubt, or even just a day when everything seemed to go wrong. Time and again, God has shown up, sometimes in a quiet peace, sometimes through a friend’s encouragement, or even in a sudden clarity that only He could give. Like David, I’ve learned that God’s mercy isn’t just a distant promise—it’s personal, active, and real.

Verse 7 may be my favorite: “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” This verse feels like a deep breath after a long climb. God doesn’t just hear; He strengthens. He doesn’t just protect; He shields. I can trust Him, not because life is always easy, but because He’s proven Himself faithful. I remember a time when I faced a decision that felt impossible. I prayed, unsure of the next step, and God provided not just direction but a sense of joy that carried me through. That’s what David’s singing about—a joy that bubbles up when we realize God’s got us.

Psalm 28 ends with a broader prayer: “Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever” (Psalm 28:9). David’s heart expands from his own needs to God’s people, and it challenges me to do the same. When God lifts me up, I want to lift others up too, to pray for my community, my church, and those who need His shepherding care. It’s a reminder that my faith isn’t just about me—it’s about being part of God’s family, carried by Him together.

Today, if you’re feeling like David in verse 1, crying out and wondering if God hears, hold onto this: He is your Rock. He hears your cry for mercy. He is your strength and shield. Take a moment to tell Him what’s on your heart—He’s listening. And when He answers, let your heart leap for joy, knowing you’re carried by a Shepherd who will never let you go.

Prayer:

Lord, my Rock, thank You for hearing my cries, even when I feel alone. Be my strength and shield today. Fill my heart with trust and joy as I lean on You, and help me lift up others to Your care. Thank You for being my Shepherd, now and forever. Amen.