Read Psalms 60 -- 66
In Today's Reading:
David's prayer for deliverance from his enemies; his confidence in God's promises; David's exhortation to praise God for his goodness.
Verses for Today:
David prayed: Hear my cry, O God; attend 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. . . . So will I sing praise untoThy Name for ever (61:1-3,8).
Because of Saul's relentless search and determined effort to kill him, David was forced to flee to a desolate area outside the Promised Land. David was overwhelmed with sorrow, even as we would have been. Although that desolate location seemed like the end of the earth (Psalms 61:2), David knew that his true source of protection was God: The Rock that is higher than I, and as a Strong Tower of security from his enemies. The Strong Tower (61:3), as well as the Rock, reflect the reliability, the strength, and the protection of God.
David could have become resentful, but he overcame his fears and any thought of anger by his faith in his Creator. Although he faced difficult circumstances most of his life, David continued to express confidence in the Lord, saying: He only is my Rock and my Salvation: He is my Defence; I shall not be moved . . . God is my Salvation and my . . . Strength, and my Refuge is in God (62:6-7).
David then turned his thoughts to others who faced trials and suffering, and continued: Trust in Him at all times . . . pour out your heart before Him: God is a Refuge for us (62:8). It is a comfort to know that everything we face in life can better prepare us for eternity: Trust in Him at all times.
Eight times David referred to God as the Rock of his salvation (2 Samuel 22:3; Psalms 18:2; 66:2,6-7; 95:1). David had learned from Scripture that God is the Rock of his salvation (Deuteronomy 32:15); so, even in this most lonely, desolate situation, he experienced the peace of God. Making God our Strong Tower means dwelling where He dwells and being what He wants us to be.
The Holy Spirit also led David to remind us that, since God is our Strong Tower (Fortress) of security, He alone is worthy of praise. Because Thy loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise Thee (Psalms 63:3).
We too can depend upon the Lord for protection and provision, regardless of how hopeless our circumstances may seem to be.
All of us have burdens to bear and, at times, we may be faced with a sense of utter helplessness. The Lord often reveals His will during these very times. He uses the hard times to develop spiritual maturity in us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? . . . In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us (Romans 8:35).
Christ Revealed:
As the Rock -- the unmovable, eternal, unchanging Savior (Psalms 61:2; 62:2,6-7). Jesus is the Rock of our salvation: That spiritual Rock that followed them . . . was Christ (1 Corinthians 10:4).
Word Studies:
60:12 valiantly = great things; 61:4 covert = protecting power; 62:9 to be laid in the balance = they prove to be worthless; 63:5 marrow and fatness = the richest foods; 64:6 search out = devise; 64:8 their own tongue to fall upon themselves = their own words will bring them to ruin; 66:3 terrible = awesome.
Prayer Needs:
Government Officials: Rep. David Dreier (CA), Rep. Nita Lowey (NY), Rep. Robert Ney (OH), and Rep. Roger Wicker (MS) · Pray for your pastor · Country: Macedonia (2 million) in southeastern Europe · Major languages: Macedonian and Albanian · strongly Orthodox country · 60% Macedonian/Albanian/Bulgarian Orthodox; 30% Muslim; 2% Roman Catholic; .2% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Pray for (not against) your enemies (Luke 6:28).
Optional Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4
Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 1:16