The setting of this Psalm, written by King David, is believed to be during the rebellion of his son (2 Sam 15:13-37). David is compelled to flee Jerusalem with most of his household to escape the coup orchestrated by Absalom. While on the run, David becomes overwhelmed by grief over his son’s actions and the circumstances of their flight from Jerusalem. The primary theme of this Psalm is David’s prayer to God for deliverance and refuge, as expressed in his opening pleas: “Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. (2) From the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, (3) for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against my enemy.”
Often, we can feel like David…overwhelmed by the state of affairs in our lives. The Bible teaches that Christians are not immune to sickness, financial hardships, death, lapses in faith, and more. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spoke of his Father (Mt 5:45): “For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”
What are we to do with our anxieties and anguish over the trials we endure that often feel as if they will swallow us whole? David’s response in this Psalm provides some answers. Here are a few short exhortations we can glean from this focus text:
- David appealed to God for help: “Hear my cry, O God.” While we may turn to various things to cope (e.g., hobbies, vices, fellowship with others) with life’s difficulties, God is our ultimate source of help. We are encouraged to carry all our anxieties to Him in prayer (Phil 4:6-7, 1 Pt 5:7). We are to pray without ceasing.
- David acknowledged that God was his only rescue: “Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.” He recognized that true enduring strength is found only in God. The foundation (rock) of his faith was not built on himself or the things of man, but on his Creator. Likewise, a life that trusts in Christ can withstand trials because its foundation is the power and character of God, as expressed in His Word (Mt 7:24-27; cf. Eph 2:18-21). Only by trusting in God can we, as David did, realize that self-sufficiency cannot deliver us.
- David appealed to the compassion of God: “Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings.” He understood that God does not preserve us because we are deserving, but rather because He is good and merciful (Rom 9:14-18). Remember, God owes us nothing but death for sin (Rom 6:23). Our good works earn us no salvific merit in His presence. Instead, we are offered mercy through Christ Jesus (Eph 2:8-9). Like an umbrella that shields us during a rainstorm, God’s love covers us. His grace preserves us in trials, not outside of them.
- David appealed to the promises of God: “…you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.” Our faith in God safeguards us in the storms of life, partly because faith is “forward-looking.” Like Paul, we regard the trials God allows us to endure as “light afflictions” in comparison to the greater glory we will receive in Christ Jesus upon His return, which is the reward for those who trust in Him (Rom 8:18).
The encouragement is this: David’s hope was in God. Likewise, we are to trust in Him in all things. Only Christ can bring us through and deliver us.
May you be blessed always and only in His wonderful Son’s hands.
(Other suggested scripture readings for further study and reflection: Psalm 89:1-37, Hebrews 11)
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D
www.springoflivingwaters.com
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