Reading through the Psalms and studying the life of David reminds me and encourages me in my walk with God that HE is faithful and steadfast. Our circumstances change often and always will in this life; we are sinful and struggle with sin and always will in this life; and there are days and seasons of goodness and difficulties in this life and always will be; so I love the reminder in Psalm 61 that we know Who we can call upon, Who is trustworthy and steadfast and always hears our prayers.
Psalm 61:1-3 reminds us to cry out to God when our heart is faint (weary, needy, exposed) because the LORD is our Rock, our Refuge and a strong tower against the enemy. Psalm 62:2 says “He only is my Rock and my salvation, my fortress, I shall not be greatly shaken.” At times when our heart is faint ( weary, sad, struggling with finances or family members, or even in daily traffic) we can remember we will shall not be greatly shaken because as a believer He is our Rock and Refuge.
Psalm 145:8-9 says “The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The LORD is good to all, and His mercy is over all that He has made.” We can always go to the character of God as we seek Him and cry out to Him in any circumstances, being grateful for His mercy and grace that is new each morning and will sustain us as we seek Him.
Psalm 61 ends with the verse 8 which says, “ So will I ever sing praises to your name, as I perform my vows day after day.” Eugene Petersen paraphrases it this way: And I will be the poet who sings your glory- and live what I sing every day. May the truths that God is near and He is our refuge penetrate our hearts deeply so we will live in the light of these truths and walk in humble obedience, by His grace all for His glory.
Psalm 61 encourages and reminds me that we are to be a people who sing of Him and His glory often and live what we sing everyday!
-Karen Pace