Talking to Yourself Again!
Opening Prayer
Father God, still the many voices and noises in and around me, so that I can hear Your voice now.
Read Psalm 62:1-12
[1] For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David. Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. [2] Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. [3] How long will you assault me? Would all of you throw me down- this leaning wall, this tottering fence? [4] Surely they intend to topple me from my lofty place; they take delight in lies. With their mouths they bless, but in their hearts they curse. [5] Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. [6] Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. [7] My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. [8] Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. [9] Surely the lowborn are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie. If weighed on a balance, they are nothing; together they are only a breath. [10] Do not trust in extortion or put vain hope in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them. [11] One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: “Power belongs to you, God, [12] and with you, Lord, is unfailing love”; and, “You reward everyone according to what they have done.” Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
How is God described in this psalm?The key feature in this psalm is the refrain introduced in vs. 1 and 2 and repeated almost verbatim in vs. 5 and 6, with echoes continuing into v. 7. But the statement of affirmation in the first verses seems to change into an inner dialogue in the latter verses (5). Is this “self-talk” the first sign of madness? I don’t think so. It’s almost as if the psalmist knows the utter trustworthiness of God (7) and reminds himself of it when things start to get tough. The part of him that loves and trusts God reminds the “skeptical self” of the contrast between the trustworthiness of God and the fickleness of human relationships (9). He can always be sure of God’s power, love and justice (11,12); as a result of this strengthening conviction, he is ready to tell others of God’s trustworthiness. Again from his experience, he advises them (and us) to pour out our hearts to God (8), just as he has done. Talking to ourselves in God’s presence is probably the best way to stay sane! Then we will find an inner quiet (a better translation than “rest”!) which strengthens our resolve and honor (5-7).
Apply
Tell God how you’re feeling now in prayer (or write it down). Wait patiently for a response from him.
Closing prayer
Loving Father, I would find my spirit’s rest in You, and You only. Lead me to that rest, I pray.
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