“Hear my cry, Oh God; attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to you. When my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock than is higher than I.” Psalm 61:1-2 (NKJV) Most of us have probably become somewhat acquainted with the life and legacy of the psalmist David. If not, perhaps you have heard something with regard to his praise, pain, or problems. In many ways he was as we are. We love the Lord, want to do what is right, we acknowledge our need for Him yet at the same time it does not exempt us from the issues that all who were born in the similitude of Adam must face. David is human, he is real, and his experiences provide life lessons that we all may glean from. Within the historical context of this particular psalm, David has encountered issues with his family members. Specifically, his son Absalom is in open rebellion to his leadership. Nonetheless, David, in this psalm asks the Lord to do three things on his behalf. First, he asked the Lord to “hear his cry and attend to his prayer.” David’s cry to the Lord was not one of sheer volume but more of intensity that initiated from the deepest depths of his soul. The word “cry” carries the idea of a “piercing cry” it further suggests that David was desperate for God to not only hear, but answer his prayer. It is important to understand that it is not how loud or long that we cry but it is the degree of sincerity that we display before our loving Heavenly Father who already knows the situation before we utter one word. Secondly, he asks the Lord to, “help me.” This is an all too important request. Oftentimes we seek after those who are not interested in helping us and as a result they only serve to hinder us. Furthermore, we seek the help of those who secretly and covertly hate us and their intent is only to harm us. Then we solicit help and share our most intimate and personal issues with those who are not even remotely qualified to attend to our request. These individuals can halt our progress if we allow them. It is always essential to know where your help comes from. In times like these, and at all times, God is the only one who is “qualified” to help us. Lastly, David asks the Lord to “hide him” by leading him to the rock that is higher than his own human failures and frailty. If we really want the delivering power of God to be manifested in whatever our dilemma may be, we must come to the point that we realize that we can place absolutely no confidence in our own flesh. Many times it becomes a defining moment. We are going under for the third time, almost down for the count but God who is rich in mercy will hide us. We can find neither help nor hiding in our friends, family, or our flesh. It becomes God and God alone. “For in time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; in the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock.” Psalm 27:5 (NKJV) In the words of the songwriter, “When I need a shelter, when I need a friend, I go to the rock.”
Posted on: Sat, 26 Oct 2013 10:51:28 +0000
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