Week 38 - September 15-21, 2024: A Different Kind of Rock Music
This week’s daily readings:
September 15-21, 2024
This week’s devotional:
A Different Kind of Rock Music
by Sue Hersey
Scripture:
Hear my cry, O God;
listen to my prayer.
From the ends of the earth I call to you,
I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
— Psalm 61:1-2 (NIV)
Reflection:
We are told at the very beginning of Psalm 61 that it was written by David for the director of music, to be played with stringed instruments. Many of David’s psalms also tell us what particular trial he was going through at the time he wrote them. Not this one, though. It merely says, “From the ends of the earth.” Yet, when we read about David in 1 and 2 Samuel, it’s never said that he traveled much farther than the Promised Land. Why would he claim to be at “the ends of the earth?” Perhaps we can surmise that, when David wrote this psalm, he was at the end of his rope – the end of his own human understanding and strength? Knowing the many struggles he endured, that explanation seems highly likely.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve been there before. About mid-way through my life, I went through some crises that I was simply unable to overcome on my own. Despite growing up in the church, I had drifted away from God in early adulthood and now found myself at a point where I had no hope, no desire to go on living, and sincerely wished for my life to end. Yet, something drove me to cry out to God and, quite miraculously, he brought me back from the edge.
So, what does this particular psalm teach us about how to approach God when we know we can’t save ourselves? First of all (verse 1), you should remember that God is the one and only power that can save you. He wants us to run to him for help because he loves us! We don’t really even need to ask him to listen because he is always ready to listen and always able to step in on our behalf.
In verse 2, David admits that he’s in such distress that his heart is growing faint. He’s finally ready to admit that he needs God to save him. Sadly, this is often the point when we give up hope and we turn to our Savior as a last resort. Know that it didn’t have to go that far! Remember: God is not only steady as a rock, but he is also high above us – higher in power, and able to see into the future where he’s already worked things out for our good!
If there is one thing we can take away from this lesson, it is that God will save us even if we wait and go to him as a last resort, but wouldn’t it be wiser if we look to him for direction along the way? Maybe, from the shelter of God’s wings, we won’t ever find ourselves at “the ends of the earth” and in distress!
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we look to you today for your divine guidance on this road called life. Remind us that you love us, you have a plan for us that is good, and yet we can always take refuge in you when we come to the end of our own power. Jesus, you are a strong and mighty rock, higher and wiser than we are, seated at the right hand of God the Father. Send your Holy Spirit to shelter us from life’s hurts and give us wisdom and comfort to carry on during trials. Hear our prayer, please! Amen