Psalm 61 – The LORD is my Rock
(Written by Chia Eng Chuan)
King David led a very eventful and high-risk life. As a young shepherd boy, he fought and killed both lion and bear to protect the sheep. When he was between 13 to 15 years old, he killed Goliath, the Philistine champion who challenged Israel’s army to a duel. This, however, aroused the jealousy of King Saul who then tried to kill David on many occasions. When David became king, he led Israel in many battles against its enemies. Later, he had to flee for his life when Absalom, his own son, conspired to usurp the throne.
David probably penned this psalm during his escape from Absalom’s rebellion. David felt overwhelmed by his circumstances and God also seemed so far away. In his depression, David pleaded to the LORD to hear his prayer. Yet, halfway through the psalm, David’s anxiety turned into worship to God. As he beseeched God for help, David remembered that God had never once failed to protect or deliver him from danger, or to provide the reassurance, comfort and peace that he needed. And he praised God for his faithfulness in keeping his promises and also expressed trust that God will continue to empower him to fulfil his responsibilities as king of Israel.
Similarly, God hears us when we pray. No petition is too great for him to answer or too small for him to ignore. We can take comfort that God knows all things. He knows when we are in danger and is never too far away to rescue us. He knows our anxieties and will provide the comfort, peace, and rest needed to quieten our souls. May this psalm of David lead us to a greater confidence and trust in our God, our Rock. And may we sing praises to His name day after day. Amen!
Let’s Read Psalm 61
For the director of music. With stringed instruments. Of David.
1 Hear my cry, O God;
listen to my prayer.
2 From the ends of the earth I call to you,
I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
3 For you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the foe.
4 I long to dwell in your tent forever
and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.
5 For you, God, have heard my vows;
you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.
6 Increase the days of the king’s life,
his years for many generations.
7 May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever;
appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him.
8 Then I will ever sing in praise of your name
and fulfill my vows day after day.
Let’s Pray,
Heavenly Father, Thank you for your unfailing love, care, and protection. You know our predicament and our needs even before we turn to you for help. We thank you that your Spirit intercedes for us even when we don’t know how to pray. We thank and praise you for being our God and our Redeemer, In Jesus’ name, Amen!
This devotional was kindly contributed by Dr. Chow Li Sze and her channel Heavenly Devotion. You may find the channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/HeavenlyDevotion/videos
About the Heavenly Devotion channel
The Heavenly Devotion channel is dedicated to encouraging you to listen to Bible Scriptures and pray with the Scriptures. They are inspired by the call of service as expressed and exemplified by Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 9:12-15.
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrew 4:12 NKJV)
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