Troubles are as sure to come as morning follows night. In the psalm today, Psalm 62, King David reminds his soul and his people to wait patiently for God in the midst of the betrayal of his son, Absalom, who had seized his father’s throne and had David running for his life.
This is a psalm of encouragement and inspiration for anyone who mistrusts the teachings they have received on the goodness and faithfulness of God, especially during times of pain, grief, and suffering. It is narrated by a man who knew well that God had never left him or failed him. I love this psalm, for it reminds me that every day I must remember in whom I put my trust, particularly on those dark days when depression weighs my soul down.
Psalm 62: 1-4 Truly 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. How long will you attack a man? You shall be slain, all of you, like a leaning wall and a tottering fence. They only consult to cast him down from his high position. They delight in lies. They bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah
David began with a bold statement of waiting for the Lord to change the situation he was in. For him, God was his salvation, rock, and defense. When you think of being in battle with people who lie and steal, knowing that you stand on a Rock that cannot be shaken and have a defense that is stronger than anything in heaven or earth, means that you continue to trust in God, even when the odds seem against you.
David has no problem reminding his enemies that they would fail, that their lies and deceit would never work against him. They were as useless as a leaning wall or a tottering fence, with no support or the strength for success against God’s anointed ones.
It can be difficult to hold on to what you believe when being lied on, and we feel that we must retaliate and fight our own battles. Yet, I have found that when I take matters into my own hands, I make things worse and I am left regretting my actions. David had a better way.
Psalm 62: 5-8 My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation. He is my defense. I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory. The rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in Him at all times, you people. Pour out your heart before Him. God is a refuge for us. Selah
We have all suffered trials that seemed insurmountable, times when we lost hope that change was near and possible. In those times, it is easy to forget that only the Lord is able to change the circumstances. Jennie B. Miller wrote these words in the wonderful gospel song, Hold to God’s Unchanging Hands, “Trust in Him who will not leave you, Whatsoever years may bring, If by earthly friends forsaken, Still more closely to Him cling.“
David teaches us that sometimes we must preach to ourselves, strengthening our own souls. He encouraged himself and his people, reminding them that God had been a refuge in the times of trouble.
I once heard a pastor’s wife who had went over 40 years without a vacation and whose dinners were nearly always interrupted by members calling to ask for prayer. With great anguish in her voice and tears in her eyes, she said something like, “Learn to pray for yourselves. Stop calling the pastor every time you have a problem.”
I was reminded that Jesus sacrificed His life to rend the curtain to the Holiest of Holies, giving us access to God. We must use it, just as David did, for he understood from where his strength derived.
Psalm 62: 9-12 Surely men of low degree are a vapor. Men of high degree are a lie. If they are weighed on the scales, they are altogether lighter than vapor. Do not trust in oppression, or vainly hope in robbery. If riches increase, do not set your heart on them. God has spoken once, twice I have heard this: That power belongs to God. Also to You, O Lord, belongs mercy, for You render to each one according to his work.
David assures us that we cannot put out trust in regular folk or politicians and wealthy men. Too often I was guilty of calling every friend and getting their take on my problem before I prayed, as if I wanted to give God the solution. But my friends could not help themselves, much less help me, so I learned not to lean on people who, like me, were “lighter than vapor,” lacking the power, strength, mercy, and grace of God.
David was a king, so he made decisions that impacted people’s lives for better or worse, for he could have been a cruel master, oppressing his people, or a kind master, ensuring justice for everyone. But, David learned that his authority was nothing, for God alone had the power necessary to change lives.
Moreover, David knew not to depend on his wealth and money. I am amazed at the number of people today who find having money enthralling, thinking that it gives them more power and, thus, the fewer troubles they will experience.
But, Hebrews 13:5-6 states, “Your way of life should be free from the love of money, and you should be content with what you have. After all, he [God] has said, I will never leave you or abandon you. This is why we can confidently say, The Lord is my helper, and I won’t be afraid. What can people do to me?”
David knew that God alone had the mercy and power to change lives. Know in whom you will put your trust when trials come, because they will surely happen. Remember what God has done in your life already, and remind your soul to be still and wait on the Lord.
Don’t trust in people, things, weapons, politicians, or money, but put your hands in the hands of the man from Galilee, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, our wonderful High Priest after the order of Melchizedek. He is ever with you. I am living proof. To God be the glory!
Fandango prompt is Surmount. Word of the Day Challenge is Enthralling. Daily Addictions prompt is Mistrust.
Help from Heaven 
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