A Rock In a Hard Place
Opening Prayer
Lord, I value Your Word so highly. I want to build my life on it. Teach me more today, I pray.
Read Psalm 61:1-9
[1] For the director of music. With stringed instruments. Of David. 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. Selah [5] For you have heard my vows, O God; 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 will I ever sing praise to your name and fulfill my vows day after day. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What images of God does the psalmist evoke?In the final film of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, after the ring and Gollum have dissolved into the molten lava of the Cracks of Doom, Frodo and Sam rush out to escape from the destructive explosions. They eventually manage to clamber onto a rock around which lava is flowing, yet where they can be safe. It still looks dangerous all round—but they are on safe ground.
Whether the psalmist here is close to death and longing to be in God’s presence forever, or in a perilous physical state and urgently needing somewhere safe, doesn’t really matter. What matters is that he knows the only safe place to be is on the rock that is higher than all that’s going on around him. He hasn’t gotten there yet (2) but he knows it’s where he needs to be, and he knows from past experience (3) that he can “trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock” (Isa. 26:4).
Who, where, what do you look for when you’re in difficulty? Our spiritual feet can always be firmly planted on God, whose love and faithfulness will protect us, too (7).
Apply
Ponder the question in the last paragraph. Recall God’s care in the past; resolve to trust him for the future.
Closing prayer
Pray for the love and faithfulness of God to be your strength and support, and for anyone else who needs it.
Click here to sign up to receive the EXTRAs via email each quarter.
© 2024 Scripture Union U.S.A. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited.
Discovery is published in the USA under license from Scripture Union England and Wales, Trinity House, Opal Court, Opal Drive, Fox Milne, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DF.