July 5
Read Psalms 60:1
In Today's
David's prayer for deliverance from his enemies; his confidence in God's promises; David's exhortation to praise God for His goodness
Because of Saul's relentless search for David and Saul's efforts to kill him, David was forced to flee to a desolate area outside the promised land. Exiled from his loved ones and the physical comforts of royal standing, he prayed: Hear my cry, O God; attend (listen) to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the Rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy (Psalm 61:1-3).
David was overwhelmed with sorrow and loneliness, just like we would be. He prayed intensely, asking God to hear his prayer. He confessed his distress but also his confidence in God as the Rock that is higher than I. . . . a shelter . . . and a strong tower from the enemy. Although his bleak situation seemed like the end of the earth, David was confident that his True Source of security from his enemies was the living God Himself, like a strong tower of protection.
Making Him our strong tower means we recognize that as His followers we are in the protective care of the invincible God. Depression and frustration need not exist in the life of one who believes that God is the wonderful strong tower from the enemy in the face of evil forces. We have His assurance that no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly (84:11). Like David, we can depend upon the Lord for protection and provision, regardless of how hopeless our circumstances may seem, since the Lord has assured us: Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for Me? (Jeremiah 32:27).
Although David's difficult circumstances remained the same for many years, he continued to declare: Truly my soul waits upon God. . . . He only is my Rock and my Salvation (Psalm 62:1-2). David then turned his thoughts to others who faced trials and suffering and continued by encouraging all of us to 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 God allows in life is to prepare us for eternity. Let us rest in the knowledge that nothing shall separate us from the love of Christ (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 and that spiritual Rock (Petras) that followed (accompanied) them (
Word Studies:
60:12 do valiantly = gain the victory, do great things; 61:4 covert = shelter, protecting power; 62:9 to be laid in the balance = they prove to be worthless; 63:5 marrow and fatness = the richest of foods; 64:6 search out iniquities = devise injustices; 64:8 their own tongue to fall upon themselves = their own words will bring them to ruin; 66:3 terrible = awesome.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Letha Hash · Government Officials: Rep. Todd Akin (MO), Rep. David Dreier (CA), Rep. Nita Lowey (NY), Rep. Robert Ney (OH), and Rep. Roger Wicker (MS) · Country: Ecuador (13 million) in South America, crossed by the equator · Major language: Spanish · Religious freedom · 91% Roman Catholic; 3% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Give thanks to the Lord for all things (Ephesians 5:19-20).
Optional
Memory Verse for the Week: 1 Thessalonians 4:13