Psalm 61.1-8
The setting for this psalm was likely when David had left Jerusalem, being ousted from the throne by his own son, Absalom. Feeling rejected, alone, and disregarded by family, as well as by those who had faithfully served with him, David cried out to the Lord, the only certainty he knew in a time of utter despair. Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; 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, for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy (Psalm 61.1-3). David’s prayer was not a quick request for help as he went about trying to finagle a plan for returning to the throne. Rather, this was a cry from the depths of his heart; this was placing himself in total dependence upon the Lord; this was the cry of one who had everything taken from him and could do nothing; this was the cry of one who was consumed with grief because of undesired life events which he never anticipated would happen.
When our hearts are so broken, when we feel so alone, when we are desperate for relief from the intensity of pain, when all strength seems to have gone from our body, when our mind is weak and we do not know how to think, may our heart cry out to Him who alone is able to help us. May our prayer be to be led back to the Rock of our salvation, the Rock of our redemption, the Rock of our deliverance, the Rock of our hope, the Rock which never moves, the Rock on which we can firmly stand. May we seek to have our eyes focused on the Rock of Jesus Christ and on His Word alone, knowing only He can and will help us through the darkest and most burdensome days of our lives, as well as the days of ease. Our Lord has not changed. He has been the refuge and strength for those of faith who have walked before us, and He will continue to be our refuge and strength as we trust Him, follow Him, and place our unflinching trust in Him, our Rock.
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil.
His oath, His covenant, and blood
Support me in the whelming flood;
When every earthly prop gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.
When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found,
Clothed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne!
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
Edward Mote
Trusting in Christ our Rock – we have much to be thankful for –
Terry
My Morning Desk 