Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, until the destroying storms pass by. I cry to God Most High, to God who fulfils his purpose for me. He will send from heaven and save me, he will put to shame those who trample on me. God will send forth his steadfast love and his faithfulness. (57:1-3)

The four psalms assigned for today are full of enemies and calls for vengeance. Psalm 58 asks that those who oppose David, "Let them be like the snail that dissolves into slime."

I often want God to very practically protect me. In another translation of the second verse above it is written, "I will cry to God Most High, to God who accomplishes all things for me."

But I prefer God who fulfils my purpose. The Hebrew verb is gamar: to complete or to perfect. Does God complete things or perfect me?

At sunset today the Jewish festival of Purim begins. Over the next three days the story of Esther will be remembered.

Esther and her uncle saved their people from extermination through faithful intelligence and effective action. God worked through Esther. Esther did her part. In making good choices Esther allowed God to fulfill her purpose.

More information on Purim is available from EverythingJewish.com.