Thoughts for the Day

Assurance of God’s Protection. To the leader: with stringed instruments. Of David.

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 are my refuge,
a strong tower against the enemy.

Let me abide in your tent for ever,
find refuge under the shelter of your wings.Selah
For you, O God, have heard my vows;
you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.

Prolong the life of the king;
may his years endure to all generations!
May he be enthroned for ever before God;
appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over him!

So I will always sing praises to your name,
as I pay my vows day after day.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

We are looking at the Book of Psalms to learn from them - about their context, and what they can teach us as Christians today. The context for Psalm 61 is difficult, if not downright impossible to work out. Knowing that David was on the run as a fugitive for many years we can expect to find many psalms that ask for God's help to seek shelter and safety. But what about the break in the psalm at the word "Selah"? This word usually indicates some kind of pause (but equally could be an instruction to the musicians), and which King is David praying for? Is he asking God to protect King Saul who wants to kill him, or is he praying for himself perhaps when he was threatened by the rebellion of his son Absalom (2 Samuel 15.1-12) or while he was on one of his military battles near the Euphrates (2 Samuel 8.3).

↠ Do we turn to God when we need to find a refuge and security, or only when our own efforts fail?

Look at the language he uses concerning safety - God is "the rock that is higher than I", he is his "refuge", and his "strong tower". He wants to abide in God's "tent for ever" and uses the image of a bird, perhaps an eagle, asking to "find shelter" under its "wings". Nowhere in this little psalm does David complain about those who seek his life, or ask God to take action against his enemies. Instead he has complete confidence that God can offer him security, and that He watches over him with steadfast love.

↠ Can we be as generous as David to those who hurt us?

Heavenly Father,
when we feel afraid for the future -
that we are under attack,
physically, mentally, or spiritually -
do not let us suffer in silence,
but enable us to reach out to You
and to friends or family
to seek the help that we need.
Give us the confidence to know
that You are always there,
watching over us with steadfast love,
and will come to our aid when we need it.
Amen.