A Word for Today | Psalm 62
Every year around this time, the mountain climbing world turns its attention to Mount Everest. During a summit attempt on the world’s highest mountain, climbers know that their lives rest on a single support. That support may be a rope, or a guide, or a weather report on which their lives depend. The uncertainty of this support is what provides the thrill to climbers: the rope may be cut, the guide may get lost, and the weather may quickly turn foul.
As David considered the challenges of his life, he rejoiced that his life was upheld by a support that would never fail: “He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken” (Ps. 62:2). J. J. Stewart Perowne comments: “Scarcely anywhere do we find faith in God more nobly asserted, more victoriously triumphant; . . . than in this Psalm.”[1] The key to his trusting attitude is the word “alone,” which appears six times in Psalm 62. “For God alone, O my soul,” he counsels, “wait in silence, for my hope is from him” (Ps. 62:5). David was contrasting God’s faithfulness to the unreliable nature of human help. He bemoans the enemies who assail him: “How long will all of you attack a man to batter him, like a leaning wall, a tottering fence?” (Ps. 62:3). In other Psalms, David might have vented his frustration at evil men for some length. But in Psalm 62, he exudes a quiet confidence in God. So much is this the case that, despite his obvious need, David does not voice a single request but only offers praise to his unfailing Support.
As I have talked to members of our church during this coronavirus crisis and heard news from others, the common thread is how our trusting hope in God has not let us down. We have other supports – friends, family, doctors, pastors – and they often do us much good. But the time inevitably comes when we rely entirely on God. In mountain climbing terms, these are the moments when the rock underneath gives way, when a storm suddenly breaks, or when the path has become obscured in darkness. What a blessing to us that although ropes, guides, and scientific measures may sometimes fail us in a time of need, the God of Psalm 62 never will. Therefore, despite what other supports way may have, David gives his counsel: “Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us” (Ps. 62:8). Of one thing we can be sure – in life and in death – we can rest our care safely in the eternal hands. Let each of say in time of need: “He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken” (Ps. 62:2).
In Christ’s Love,
Pastor Phillips
[1] J. J. Stewart Perowne, The Book of Psalms¸2 vols (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1878, reprint, 1976), 1:480.