Psalm 61: A Higher Rock

​Key Verse
2 from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I
 
Meditation
God’s steadfast love gives higher ground on which to stand during life’s storms. Flash floods flow from heavy rains. Tsunamis result from seismic shifting of the earth under the sea. When our world is flooded with frustration, the earth shaking beneath our feet causing tidal waves of worry in our lives, eyes of faith look to God and His sovereign grace to find higher ground.  
 
In today’s reading, God is celebrated as a “Rock that is higher… our refuge and strong tower.” (2-3) We cry to the Lord and He hears our prayers (1). The Lord is our refuge in the storms of life because, like a bird protecting their young, God offers refuge under the wings of His steadfast love (4).
 
David’s prayer for the life of the king (6) points to the greater King who is enthroned forever, Jesus Christ (7).  Jesus was overwhelmed with the flood of the Father’s wrath against our sin so we can be forgiven and fortified in Him. Jesus and His teaching is the rock we build our lives upon, a foundation that will not shift in seismic activity or severe storms (Matthew 7:15).
 
Believers can sing in storms when our Savior is our rock (8). We dance in the rain knowing our foundation will not change. The word of Jesus controls life’s storms (Mark 4:34-41). In this world we will have troubles, but Jesus has overcome the world and offers peace.  Jesus invites us to stand on the ground of His grace and His word of promise, a higher rock than ourselves.
 
Today’s Reading
Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; 2 from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, 3 for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. 4 Let me dwell in your tent forever!  Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah

5 For you, O God, have heard my vows; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name. 6 Prolong the life of the king; may his years endure to all generations! 7 May he be enthroned forever before God; appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over him! 8 So will I ever sing praises to your name, as I perform my vows day after day.
 
 
Richly Dwelling
-What stands out to you from today’s reading, especially the celebration of God’s power and provision for His people during the pain and problems of our lives?
 
-Where do you look for higher ground in hard times, places other than our Savior and King- Jesus? How is that working for you?
 
-Psalm 61 is a psalm of confidence, a prayer FOR security. Consider flood of frustrations in your life, or a storm of struggle, and use the language of the Psalm to inform and form your prayers.
 
Key Verse
2 from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I