Day 9: Psalm 61
Lead Me to the Rock
Sometimes life can seem hard and tough, we don’t know where we will find ourselves or what circumstances we will face. However, there is one truth that sets us apart which is that we can pray for security and assurance, knowing that God will be there for us always.
Verse 1 -3 Hear my prayer, cry out to God
David says ‘from the ends of the earth I will call to you’, we don’t know where David was at this time, writers believe that this verse suggests that this Psalm was written during a period when David was exiled from the tabernacle (tent), which was the visible dwelling of God.
Perhaps he was at the end of his human understanding, strength and resources, crying out to God for help. He knew that he needed a rock, a place of stability and security that was above himself, that he did not have to lean on his own understanding but that of God.
Even when we are in unfamiliar territory, surrounded by unfamiliar circumstances, where our hearts grow faint, we can cry out to God. Knowing that He is a reliable refuge, a strong tower in times of trouble. Remembering that God never abandons us, He is the rock that is higher than I, a place of refuge and safety.
Verses 4-5 Let me dwell in your tent
David knew that God had answered his prayers in the past, that God had been a strong tower and a place a shelter and safety. Even though he was exiled he wanted to be there again. To dwell in God’s tent to be a welcomed guest to God’s presence, sheltered by His wings.
The tent of God is seen as a refuge, a home for a weary traveller a place where you can find rest, protection and generosity. A place where God dwells, not just for a limited period but forever. If we feel lost, far away from God’s presence, lets cry out to Him asking to dwell in His tent forever. A place of security, where His wings shelter us from the passing storms.
Verse 5- 8 – Sing of your praise forever
David was confident that the Lord would hear his vow and it would be answered by a compassionate God. We can stand on God’s word knowing that when we pray, or pledge our vows to Him, He hears us and answers us. We do not have access to God through works but by His Grace. That God hears our prayer and petitions and through His grace he answers us.
David continued to praise God through good and bad times, if you find yourself surrounded by unfamiliar circumstances, remind yourself of David’s words that God is our shelter, a strong tower, he invites us into His dwelling place while surrounding us with His wings and He listens to our vows and prayer, answering them through His grace. Let us sing of His praise forever.
Caroline Larmour
Connect Leader