Highlights:
The reason for praise to our faithful God is revealed in these seven psalms. They begin with thanksgiving for restored fellowship. Today's reading will put in your heart a desire to give praise and more praise to our marvelous Creator.
Because of Saul's relentless search and his efforts to kill him, David was forced to flee to a desolate area outside the promised land. Exiled from his loved ones and the physical advantages of the king's palace, he prayed: Hear my cry, O God; attend (listen) 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. For Thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy (Ps. 61:1-3)..
David was overwhelmed with sorrow and loneliness, even as any one of us would be. He prayed intensely, asking God to hear his prayer. But more than confessing his distress he expressed his confidence in God as the Rock that is higher than I. . . . a shelter . . . and a strong tower from the enemy. Although his desolate situation seemed like the end of the earth, David was confident that his True Source of protection and safety from his enemies was the living God Himself, who was like a great tower of protection. Making God our strong tower means recognizing that His followers are in the protective care of the invincible God. Depression and frustration need not exist in the life of one who believes that God is the strong tower in the face of evil forces. We have His assurance that no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly (84:11). Like David, we can depend upon the Lord for protection and provision, regardless of how hopeless our circumstances may seem, since the Lord has assured us: Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for Me? (Jer. 32:27).
Although David was forced to endure his difficult circumstances for many years, he continued to trust in the Lord: Truly my soul waiteth upon God. . . . He only is my Rock and my Salvation (Ps. 62:1-2). David then turned his thoughts to others who faced trials and suffering, and continued to encourage all of us to trust in Him at all times . . . pour out your heart before Him: God is a Refuge for us (62:8). It is sobering to know that everything we face in life is used of the Lord to prepare us for eternity. In every situation, good or bad, it is always safe to trust the Lord. We are reminded that nothing shall separate us from the love of Christ (Rom. 8:35).
Thought for Today:
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak (Matt. 26:41).
Christ Revealed:
As the Rock — the unmovable, eternal, unchanging Savior (Ps. 61:2; 62:2,6-7). Jesus is the Rock of our salvation and that spiritual Rock (Petras) that followed (accompanied) them (Israelites) (I Cor. 10:4).
Word Studies:
60:12 do valiantly =b> gain the victory, do great things; 61:4 covert =b> shelter, protecting power; 62:9 to be laid in the balance =b> they prove to be worthless; 63:5 marrow and fatness =b> the richest of foods; 64:6 search out iniquities =b> devise injustices; 64:8 their own tongue to fall upon themselves =b> their own words will bring them to ruin; 66:3 terrible =b> awesome.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Miss Mary Kay Wagner • Staff: Beth Carlton • Government Officials: Rep. Todd Akin (MO), Rep. David Dreier (CA), Rep. John Fleming (LA), Rep. Jim Himes (CT), Rep. Nita Lowey (NY), and Sen. Roger Wicker (MS) • Country: Qatar (600,000) in southwestern Asia • Major languages: Arabic and English • Muslim conversion to Christ is forbidden, but expatriate Christians are allowed to meet informally • 79.5% Muslim; 10.5% Christian; 7.2% Hindu; 1.8% Buddhist; .9% non-Religious/Other • Prayer Suggestion: Intercede in prayer for others (Num. 21:7).
Optional Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 4:7