In Today's Scripture Reading:
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 and his efforts to kill David, he was forced to flee to a desolate area outside the promised land. Exiled from his loved ones and the physical comforts of the palace, he prayed: Hear my cry, O God; attend (listen) 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 (Psalm 61:1-3).
David was overwhelmed with sorrow and loneliness, even as 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 desolate 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, who was like a great tower of protection.
Making God our strong tower means recognizing that His followers 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 strong tower 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 waiteth 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 to encourage 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 sobering to know that everything we face in life is to prepare us for eternity.
We are reminded 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 (Israelites) (I Corinthians 10:4).
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 The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts sponsored by Charles & Josephine Van Boskirk and in memory of Lillian Laurence Executive Director of the IBRA: Reverend Michael Hall Government Officials: Rep. Todd Akin (MO), Rep. David Dreier (CA), Rep. Nita Lowey (NY), and Rep. Roger Wicker (MS) Country: Angola (11 million) in west-central Africa Major languages: Portuguese and Bantu dialects Christianity is gradually being driven underground by communism 60% Roman Catholic; 20% Protestant; 5% belief in ancestor spirits, witches, and medicine men Prayer Suggestion: Draw near to God in prayer with a true heart in assurance of faith (Hebrews 10:22).
Optional Reading: I Thessalonians 4
Memory Verse for the Week: Galatians 1:3