Psalm 61: Higher Rock
Exposed. Wounded. Vulnerable.
Fearful. Anxious. Confused, potentially angry and resentful.
‘From the ends of the earth… I call as my heart grows faint…’ the song writer pens his cry, then adds this urgent plea for help – ‘Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.’
King David has been rejected and deposed by a member of his own family, and exiled to the wilderness again. The situation is dire, both individually and nationally. As before, this believer from long ago turns to God in prayer and finds resources from beyond himself to continue his life and mission. Admitting his human weakness he finds in God comfort and strength to resume his responsibilities. His greatness and effectiveness as leader stems from his willingness in times of crisis to acknowledge and trust the Lord as his ‘Shepherd’.
Exposed, wounded and vulnerable to 21st century terror, we reel from the effects of the latest attack. Afraid and anxious for our loved ones, our communities, our nations, we seethe in indignation, blaming security personnel or wondering why God allows such things.
But neither security nor God manufacture bombs. These are made and detonated by sinful human beings. We can question ideologies that prompt such brutal acts but responsibility for atrocity lies within our own race.
While we welcome expressions of peaceful solidarity and applaud the many displays of courage and compassion we do well to admit we humans have a deep-rooted self-destructive tendency and need help from higher and stronger.
The outlawed king sought a high rock, the comfort and safety of a strategic, fortified position. Christians find our ultimate assurance in Jesus Who died to deal with our sin but rose in victory over death. Terror is not to be the end of our story! He has provided for us in the past, we rest on this ‘Rock’ for our future.
Trusting in His ‘truth and mercy, love and faithfulness’ we offer our prayers and all possible help to our fellow-wounded, with the promise that those who take refuge in God will one day enjoy a ‘heritage’ of heavenly peace.
Exposed. Wounded. Vulnerable.
Fearful. Anxious. Confused, potentially angry and resentful.
‘From the ends of the earth… I call as my heart grows faint…’ the song writer pens his cry, then adds this urgent plea for help – ‘Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.’
King David has been rejected and deposed by a member of his own family, and exiled to the wilderness again. The situation is dire, both individually and nationally. As before, this believer from long ago turns to God in prayer and finds resources from beyond himself to continue his life and mission. Admitting his human weakness he finds in God comfort and strength to resume his responsibilities. His greatness and effectiveness as leader stems from his willingness in times of crisis to acknowledge and trust the Lord as his ‘Shepherd’.
Exposed, wounded and vulnerable to 21st century terror, we reel from the effects of the latest attack. Afraid and anxious for our loved ones, our communities, our nations, we seethe in indignation, blaming security personnel or wondering why God allows such things.
But neither security nor God manufacture bombs. These are made and detonated by sinful human beings. We can question ideologies that prompt such brutal acts but responsibility for atrocity lies within our own race.
While we welcome expressions of peaceful solidarity and applaud the many displays of courage and compassion we do well to admit we humans have a deep-rooted self-destructive tendency and need help from higher and stronger.
The outlawed king sought a high rock, the comfort and safety of a strategic, fortified position. Christians find our ultimate assurance in Jesus Who died to deal with our sin but rose in victory over death. Terror is not to be the end of our story! He has provided for us in the past, we rest on this ‘Rock’ for our future.
Trusting in His ‘truth and mercy, love and faithfulness’ we offer our prayers and all possible help to our fellow-wounded, with the promise that those who take refuge in God will one day enjoy a ‘heritage’ of heavenly peace.
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