Psalm 61
1-2 Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
David’s prayer in the day of trouble. He’d taken his petition to the only One that he knew could make a difference. It’s good (and needful) to have friends that we can share our burdens and hearts desires with, but how much more it is to have a God Who knew of our heartaches and trials before they happened. It didn’t catch Him off guard that any of it occurred; as a matter of fact it was a part of the plan. For whatever reason God will work this trial to our good and the overwhelming feelings we have in the midst… hold on. David prayed (and me too this morning) that he be lead to the “rock that is higher than I.” That place that I can’t even hope of getting to Lord unless You lift me up.
3 For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.
This is not my first rodeo where I feel overwhelmed with the circumstances of life, as a matter of fact it’s been far worse. David’s past experience reminded himself that God had always been a place of refuge. A “place” he could go and for certain find safety. How wonderful it is to know that God will never fail. That’s a reason to shout this morning! The world fails me, people who love me fail me, I most definitely fail me. But God never does.
4 I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.
At this point in David’s life he’d been banished from the tabernacle, but God assured him of impending return. During the time in our lives when we’re overwhelmed by circumstance we often feel the furthest away from God, and it usually a struggle to get back. That period between Wednesday night service to Sunday Worship can seem like an eternity in and of itself sometimes. That’s why it’s crucial to daily read the Word of God and be in prayer. We are the tabernacle for which Christ dwells but He quite often is having services alone.
5 For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name.
As a child of God it’s also important to call to mind the day of our salvation. It was not only our commitment of our life to Christ, but His commitment to us. He gave us His name… Christian and the heritage (birthright) that came with it. Glory!
6 Thou wilt prolong the king’s life: and his years as many generations.
David had been promised to be King. And even though from this vantage point David didn’t see the Kingdom he knew it was a promise. God wasn’t through with him yet! If we’re still here on earth the same holds true for us! My heart flutters when I think of what God’s ultimate plan could be!
7 He shall abide before God for ever: O prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him.
With all that in mind, David prays for mercy and truth and protection. What more would we want than that in any trial? And how awesome it is to pray to the One who can provide it. It is not wonder David closed out with praise!
8 So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows.
Keep serving child of God!