2-27-23   THOUGHTS

The pleadings of a man in need.  His confidence that there is someone to hear his crying who can deliver.  There is a “rock that is higher than I”, he says.  The past tense “have been” says that he’s been here before.  God has been his refuge in times past.   The jewel of this psalm is that David intends to stay current on his vows, his intentions for good.  “That I may pay my vows day by day.”   He says “I will abide before God forever.”  It’s a simple everyday message.  We each have needs.   We need to be led to the Rock that is higher than us!  I, for one,  need to do a better job at paying my vows day by day!  How wonderful that our problems have such an AWESOME SOLUTION.  Our “taking refuge in the shelter of God’s wings” is not literal, but a beautiful picture from nature,  of God’s willingness to take care of His children.

Ps 61:1-8    Hear my cry, O God; Give heed to my prayer.  2  From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.   3  For You have been a refuge for me, A tower of strength against the enemy. 4  Let me dwell in Your tent forever; Let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. Selah.  5   For You have heard my vows, O God; You have given me the inheritance of those who fear Your name.  6  You will prolong the king’s life; His years will be as many generations. 7  He will abide before God forever; Appoint lovingkindness and truth that they may preserve him. 8  So I will sing praise to Your name forever, That I may pay my vows day by day.

My Prayer:
We praise your name forever, O God.  We thank you for the resources you give us to bring us to yourself.  Truly You have given us all things that pertain to life and godliness.  May we find your fullness, O Lord.  Help us to search for you with our all.  May we be diligent to make our calling and election sure.  Remove self and lethargy from us, make us alive to you at all times and in every way.  May the intentions of our hearts be accomplished each day.  Forgive our weakness. Work in us and through us.  We want to abide in you, and you in us.    In Jesus’ name,      Amen.