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This Psalm was written during a time of great difficulty. David gives the secret of enduring trials.
He alone is my rock and my salvation (v. 2, ESV).
And…
For God, alone, O my soul, wait in silence (v. 5, ESV).
And…
He only is my rock and my salvation (v. 6, ESV).
This is David’s life lesson – in God alone.
How about you? In difficult times do you trust in God alone?
Psalm 62 describes rocks and fortresses. Israel is a rocky place. A fortress on top of a rocky mountain was considered safe. In times of trouble people would run to their rock or fortress.
What is your rock, your fortress, or your stronghold?
It’s the place – a stronghold – to which you retreat when you are discouraged or depressed. I’ve noticed relationships (marriages, companies, boards of organizations, or siblings) with a fortress of criticism or sarcasm. Stress is dealt with by challenging others with barrages of cynical wit or even passive foot-dragging to new ideas.
I think, “Why do people stay in this relationship?”
But then realize it’s a rock or fortress. Odd, but the strongholds we choose can be worse than the cause, but also more desired than dealing with undercurrents through honesty and love.
As David says, “How long will you attack the other to batter him or her, till they become a wall about to fall or a tottering fence?” (v. 3, OGV)
In God alone do we find a safe and constructive fortress.
I’ve seen pastors come up with a new plan or grand design or vision when frustrated.
Confession: I had to confront “vision” as a stronghold in my leadership. I felt the need to work my way out of low attendance or paltry offerings with a new staff member or building addition. It took 45 years of ministry for me to learn David’s secret.
David writes, “On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God” (v. 7, ESV).
In God alone do we find healing vision.
Some choose addiction! Alcohol or sensuality are the more obvious addictions. Bitterness, belittling behavior, sarcasm are the subtle ones – expressed by undermining others and manipulation.
We destroy relationships and don’t even notice. As David writes, “They take pleasure in falsehood. They bless with their mouths but inwardly they curse” (v. 4, ESV).
In God alone do we find peace.
David gives sage advice in finding God alone. Too often in our anxiety we wonder why God isn’t there. Our experience of His presence must be honed during times of ease and safety.
We prepare for “God alone” during our down times. We shouldn’t binge on episodes of Downton Abbey, play endless rounds of video games, or indulge our fantasies of “self-deserved” pleasure during fallow time.
Our future battles are won during seasons of godly rest.
David found “God alone” in the wilderness because he spent years alone with God each morning and evening. He reports what he heard during his rest – wisdom that gave him strength in trials.
Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God, and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love (vv. 11-12, ESV).
In God alone!