3 day plan

Refuge – Part 1

Day 1 of 3

NIV

Psalms 61:1-4

Psalm 61

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. Of David.

1Hear my cry, O God;

listen to my prayer.

2From 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.

3For you have been my refuge,

a strong tower against the foe.

4I long to dwell in your tent forever

and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.

When King David was exhausted from striving against the hardships of his life, he cried out to God. When his heart grew faint, he called to God to be his refuge.

David used four descriptions of what he wanted from God, and each one has a different nuance. We’ll look at each in turn.

Firstly, David asked God to lead him to a high rock. An elevated position gives new perspective. It allowed David to place himself realistically in his environment. He could see where his enemies were and the size of their armies. He could get an accurate sense of his situation.

Jesus is our spiritual Rock. When we come to him, everything in our world is brought into perspective. No matter what challenges we are facing, a change of perspective can be helpful. A new perspective can often help us see that our problems aren’t as big, or as impending, as they sometimes feel.

Question
Is there a challenge you are currently facing that might benefit from a new perspective?

Prayer
Loving Father, please help me step back from the circumstances in my life so that I can get perspective. Please show me how to bring glory to you. Amen.

Days

Psalms 61:1-8

Psalm 61

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. Of David.

1Hear my cry, O God;

listen to my prayer.

2From 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.

3For you have been my refuge,

a strong tower against the foe.

4I long to dwell in your tent forever

and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.

5For you, God, have heard my vows;

you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.

6Increase the days of the king’s life,

his years for many generations.

7May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever;

appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him.

8Then I will ever sing in praise of your name

and fulfill my vows day after day.