July 5
Read Psalms 60 -- 66
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 in exile from his home, his loved ones, and the physical comforts of the palace.
David was overwhelmed with sorrow, even as we would have been, when he prayed: Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto 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 (Psalms 61:1-3). Although that desolate location seemed like the end of the earth, David knew that his true source of security from the enemy was the Living God Himself.
He could have become resentful, but he overcame his fears and any thought of anger by his faith in his Creator. David had learned from Scripture that God is the Rock of his salvation (Deuteronomy 32:15) so he experienced the peace of God in this most lonely, desolate situation. David expressed utmost confidence in God as the Rock that is higher than I and as a Strong Tower of security from his enemies. The Strong Tower, as well as the Rock, reflect the reliability, the strength, and the protection of God. Making God our "Strong Tower" means dwelling where He dwells and being what He wants us to be. Like David, we can depend upon the Lord for protection and provision, regardless of how helpless we may feel our circumstances 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. So will I sing praise unto Your Name for ever (Psalms 61:8).
Many of the Psalms are prophetic concerning Jesus Christ as the Eternal King: You will prolong the King's life: and His years as many generations (61:6). God had promised David: Your kingdom shall be established for ever (II Samuel 7:16). And the fulfillment of that promise is the soon-coming King, Jesus the Messiah, who is the Son of David (Matthew 1:1), and of His Kingdom there shall be no end (Luke 1:33).
Although David's difficult circumstances remained the same for many years, he 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. 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 (Psalms 62:6-8). It is a comfort to know that everything we face in life is to better prepare us for eternity.
All of us have burdens to bear and, at times, may be faced with a sense of utter helplessness. The Lord often reveals His will during these very times. 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 8:35,37).
Christ Revealed: As the Rock -- the unmovable, eternal, unchanging Savior (Psalms 61:2; 62:2,6-7). Jesus is the Rock of our salvation (I Cor. 10:4).
Word Studies: 60:12 valiantly means great things; 61:4 covert means protecting power; 62:9 to be laid in the balance means they prove to be worthless; 63:5 marrow and fatness means the richest foods; 64:6 search out means devise; 64:8 their own tongue to fall upon themselves means their own words will bring them to ruin; 66:3 terrible means awesome.
Prayer:
Government Officials: Rep. David Dreier (CA), Rep. Nita Lowey (NY), Rep. Robert Ney (OH), and Rep. Roger Wicker (MS) · BPM Staff: Rick Hash · Pray for Bible Pathway Distributors · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio broadcast sponsored by Mary Miles · Country: Nigeria (114 million) in western Africa · Major languages: French and Hausa · Government permits all types of religious activity · 36% Muslim; 19% Protestant; 15% animist; 7% Roman Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to lead you in all that you do (Matthew 6:13).
Optional Reading: I Thessalonians 4
Memory Verse for the Week: II Corinthians 5:10-11,15