Psalms 61

Psalms 61:1-8

Psalms 61 The cry of an outcast whose spirit, though overwhelmed, looks to God as his rock, to save from the floods by which he is surrounded. (vv. 1-2) The psalmist cries to God from the end of the earth . Thus the enemy is in possession of the sanctuary, while the godly man is driven out. Though overwhelmed with distress, the soul sees there is a rock that rises above the floods. In spite of his distress, he is confident that God will lead him to this place of security, for he can say, “ Thou wilt lead me on to a rock” (JND). (v. 3) His confidence in God is the result of his experience of God; for he says, “ Thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.” He has found in God a shelter from the storm, and a defence against those opposed to him (v. 4) With God before his soul, he is lifted above the overwhelming floods, and can look on with confidence to a bright future when he will dwell in the presence of God for ever. Until then he will trust in the protecting care of God - the covert of His wings. (vv. 5-8) Conscious of being heard, he has the assurance that he will inherit the portion of those who fear God’s name; though at the moment he may be at “ the end of the earth.” The ground of his confidence is that Christ - the King - had passed through the circumstances of the godly, and His years had been prolonged, so that He is “ before God for ever.” If the King abides before God for ever (v. 7), then those who are subject to the King “ abide…for ever.” (v. 4) The one that abides for ever will sing praises to God for ever.