Psalms Reading – 2.26.2022
Psalm 61
For the director of music. With stringed instruments. Of David.
1 Hear my cry, O God;
listen to my prayer.
2 From the ends of the earth I call to you,
I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
3 For you have been my refuge,
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
3 For you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the foe.
4 I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.
5 For you, God, have heard my vows;
5 For you, God, have heard my vows;
you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.
6 Increase the days of the king’s life,
his years for many generations.
7 May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever;
7 May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever;
appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him.
8 Then I will ever sing in praise of your name and fulfill my vows day after day.
David seems to be on the run, even in exile, maybe, while Absalom his son is trying to kill him. The line, “lead me to the rock that is higher than I,” stands out. The rock may be Jerusalem where David wants to return. It is home. It is the home of God’s presence. Verse 3, also, suggests that the rock is ultimately God Himself whom David declares has been his refuge and strong tower.
David reveals a certain principle true for all humankind. We all need a “rock” that is higher than us. We need something larger to believe in. We need something stronger in which to put our confidence and hope.
Maybe, you have asked like I have, “What about those who do not have Christ in their lives? What do they do? How do they make it? Where do they go? What is the source of help they seek?” Maybe, they go to someone else. But how much of a higher rock are others? This is not to say we cannot go to others for counsel, but we must ask, do we put our ultimate trust in them?
If we do not have the “rock” of God, everything else we choose to trust in is man-made. We have nothing greater than what we have created or chosen to place our trust. In this scenario, the “rock” is I, not higher than I. To consider that I am my own rock does not give me any comfort or hope.
This is why David is such a great model for us as one who continually prays and trusts in God in the midst of trouble. He knows how limited his own strength and ability are. He knows how great God is and what God can do that he cannot do. He refuses to let go of the Rock in all of his circumstances.
Maybe, your prayer today is, “Lord, lead me to You, the Rock that is higher than I.”
Memory Verse: Psalm 56:3, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
Question(s) to Consider: Have you ever chosen something other than God as the rock that is higher than you? Did it give you what you needed or let you down? What does it practically look like for you to choose God as the One you put your ultimate trust in for all of life?