Psalms 61:1
In Psalm 61, David cries out to God from the ends of the earth, experiencing God's availability and leading him to the Rock, Jesus Christ, as a place of shelter and strength.
Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of seeking refuge in God during overwhelming times, as illustrated in Psalms 61:1. He reflects on David's despair during Absalom's rebellion, reminding us that no matter how far we stray or how low we fall, God is always within reach, just a prayer away. Smith discusses the various circumstances that can lead us to feel overwhelmed and how God allows us to reach our limits to teach us to trust Him. Ultimately, he points to Jesus Christ as the Rock, our source of strength and shelter, encouraging us to come to Him for defense and support.
Text
"LEAD ME TO THE ROCK"
I. FROM THE ENDS OF THE EARTH WILL I CRY UNTO THEE."
A. David had been driven from Jerusalem.
1. It is thought Ps. was written at time of Absolom's rebellion.
2. He was far removed from Tabernacle of God.
3. It seemed to David the end of the world.
B. God is always within reach.
1. No matter how far you may have strayed.
2. No matter how low you have fallen.
3. He is never more than a prayer away.
II. "WHEN MY HEART IS OVERWHELMED."
A. We all came to this place.
1. I have exhausted every resource.
2. I know I am going under, but nothing I can do.
B. A variety of circumstances can bring me to this place.
1. The loss of someone I love.
a. In death.
b. In life.
2. Severe illness, loss of health.
3. Inability to pay bills.
4. Facing an enemy who is stronger than I.
C. God often allows us to experience the limits of our capacities.
1. He waits as we struggle.
2. He watches each of our schemes fail.
3. He blocks every escape route.
4. His purpose is to teach us not to trust ourselves but to trust in Him.
III. "LEAD ME TO THE ROCK THAT IS HIGHER THAN I."
A. There is a place of shelter that is beyond me.
1. I cannot experience it with all my efforts.
2. My heart cry's of that rest.
a. I cannot find it.
b. Lead me to that rock.
c. That place that is beyond my capacities to achieve.
B. Jesus Christ is that Rock.
1. Moses in smiting the rock.
a. Rock was a type of Christ.
b. "That Rock was Christ."
2. In Deut. 32 "He (Jehovah. is our Rock."
3. Dan. "Stone cut not with hands."
C. Rock a symbol for strength.
1. A place of shelter.
2. A place of defense.
D. If you will but come to Jesus Christ today, He will be a place of strength
and defense for you.
Sermon Outline
- I. From the Ends of the Earth
- A. David's Distress
- B. God's Availability
- II. When My Heart is Overwhelmed
- A. The Place of Desperation
- B. Circumstances that Bring Us to This Place
- C. God's Purpose in Our Struggles
- III. Lead Me to the Rock
- A. The Place of Shelter
- B. Jesus Christ as the Rock
- C. The Rock as a Symbol of Strength
Key Quotes
“I. FROM THE ENDS OF THE EARTH WILL I CRY UNTO THEE.” — Chuck Smith
“God is always within reach.” — Chuck Smith
“If you will but come to Jesus Christ today, He will be a place of strength and defense for you.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Recognize that God is always within reach, no matter how far you've strayed or how low you've fallen.
- Come to Jesus Christ today and experience Him as a place of strength and defense.
- Trust in God's purpose in your struggles, knowing that He is teaching you to trust in Him, not yourself.