Psalm 62
How do you respond when you're threatened in some way? If you haven't done any wrong, and if you don't deserve what is threatened, how do you react then? Do you complain? Do you panic? When you hear what may happen to you, how do you respond in the first few moments? Do you begin to count your resources, consider schemes to avoid the trouble - or, in other words, do you try to see how you can save yourself? Or is the first thought like that of David in this psalm? He says, "My soul silently waits for God; from Him comes my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved." So - are you aware that you can't save yourself and that God is THE ONLY salvation you have?
It's a matter of attitude, isn't it? It isn't that we shouldn't consider our avenues of defense, our plans and resources - but it's a matter, finally, of where our trust really is. If our trust is in what we have and what we can do, so that we aren't aware that ONLY God can really defend us, then we're bound to fail - often.
We so greatly need to be aware that He is sovereign, that there are NO emergencies for Him. We so greatly need to remember and trust in His love. And we so greatly need to be obedient to Him, so that when the chips are down we can know He'll hear us. Then, and only then, we can "silently wait for God."
Then, after many such experiences in a life committed to God, a life which sees Him as our only Rock and salvation, we'll even begin to be able to encourage others as well. We can draw from our experience and say to others as David says to us, "Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us."
Our first thought, then, when there is a threat of trouble, needs to be, "God, I will trust in You. Help me to remain calm and to walk with You through this." Maybe we could even memorize the prayer here to use in every emergency.
Finally I believe I have reached this point....
Recently I have felt "like a shaky fence or a sagging wall" (v3 CEV) but life experience has taught me that "only God gives inward peace and I depend on Him" (v5 CEV).
Paul Burrell said that he was Princess Diana's rock...
"God alone is the mighty rock that keeps me safe and he is the fortress where I feel secure." (v6 CEV)
This Psalm has helped me over the last 2 days. Thank-You Lord God of Israel that You are my Rock., that You have chosen me.
"I heard God say two things: I am powerful, and I am very kind." (v11-12 CEV)
In this present world where power seems to mean "strength, cruelty and greed" it is good to remind ourselves that God Himself is powerful and kind to His children.
Blessings Pastor Al.
Jenny.
And, wonder of wonders, He's WILLING to be our God!
Thanks Alan for the great reminder today.
"Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us."
We are indeed absolutely secure! Oh let us bask in that warmth! And let us make absolutely sure we're in it!