Today's Featured Psalm
Psalm 61

Read this Psalm

To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. Of David.

1 Hear my cry, O God,
   listen 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 my refuge,
   a strong tower against the enemy.

4 Let me dwell in your tent forever!
   Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah
5 For you, O God, have heard my vows;
   you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.

6 Prolong the life of the king;
   may his years endure to all generations!
7 May he be enthroned forever before God;
   appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over him!

8 So will I ever sing praises to your name,
   as I perform my vows day after day.

Scripture taken from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Psalm Devotional
The Rock That Is Higher Than I

The familiar Davidic theme of hardship sets the context for this psalm. When David feels displaced and overwhelmed, his first resort is prayer, knowing that many faithful men prayed “from the end of the earth” and were answered (Abraham, Jacob, Joseph).

The same word “overwhelmed” appears in the title of Psalm 102, where this condition is vividly described in messianic terms. When a believer is overwhelmed, he is not abandoned by God, but rather he is sharing in the sufferings of Christ (Rom. 8:17-18; 2 Cor. 1:5).

The “Rock” is a familiar term for God in the Old Testament, especially in the Psalms. It conveys His strength and unchangeable nature, and it is a developing reference to the Messiah in particular (e.g. Isa. 8:14; Dan. 2; 1 Cor. 10:4). “Higher than I” is not a temporal designation but a moral and spiritual comparison. Like us, David needs a Savior who is stronger and greater than he.

Listen to this Psalm

Solace album art O God, Hear My Cry (Psalm 61A)
The Book of Psalms for Worship | Solace
Messiah album art My Cry and Prayer, O God, Attend (Psalm 61B)
The Book of Psalms for Worship | Messiah