Opening Prayer
Almighty God, I praise you—you are my rock, my fortress and my deliverer. (2 Samuel 22:2-3)
Read PSALM 61
Psalm 61[a]
For the director of music. With stringed instruments. Of David.
1 Hear my cry, O God;
listen to my prayer.
2 From the ends of the earth I call to you,
I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
3 For you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the foe.
4 I long to dwell in your tent forever
and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.[b]
5 For you, God, have heard my vows;
you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.
6 Increase the days of the king’s life,
his years for many generations.
7 May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever;
appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him.
8 Then I will ever sing in praise of your name
and fulfill my vows day after day.
Footnotes
- Psalm 61:1 In Hebrew texts 61:1-8 is numbered 61:2-9.
- Psalm 61:4 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here.
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Meditate
May we be drawn deeper into the presence of the Lord today.
Think Further
What a joy it is to know that when we feel overwhelmed we can cry out to God in the sure knowledge that he hears and responds. King David demonstrates this confidence and, as the Lord was his refuge, so he is ours. Although we are not sure of the context that draws David to record these words, we can be confident that the storms of life appear to have enveloped him. Like David, we all long for safety and security against the crashing waves. Despite being one of the most powerful men of his time, David recognized that he needed strength from someone higher than himself. He needed a ‘rock that is higher’ than he (v 2), as he was unable to secure a firm footing above his own crisis. His present trust was based on past faithfulness as he declares, ‘you have been my refuge’ (v 3). When the storms of life come, recalling God’s past faithfulness can help us see a way through and increase our faith and trust. David brings to our attention image after image of places of safety: shelter, strong tower, tabernacle/tent, and the shelter of wings.
Today’s psalm concludes with the Messianic glimpse toward the one to come from David’s line, who will be enthroned forever (v 7). We too must cry out to God that we may be led to the Rock. Masterminded by the Father and led by the Spirit, may we all find our shelter, refuge and strong tower in the Rock, our Savior Jesus Christ. Having begun the psalm with a desperate cry, David ends it with praise. May you, with David, know the safety that comes from the Rock who hears your cry and carries you to safety and may your praise of him be declared both daily and forever.
Apply
Be encouraged to lift your eyes toward the Rock. In him, may you find a place of safety. Read Psalm 121 for additional reflection.
Closing prayer
God in heaven, you indeed are my stronghold, my refuge, and my salvation. You are worthy of my trust and praise. Help me to rest in you.
Last Updated on September 3, 2023 by kingstar
