Psalm 61

1. This psalm is filled, from beginning to end, with word pictures of God’s dealings with Israel, especially his covenants. Some feel that this psalm was written when David was driven from his throne by his own son, Absalom, although this cannot be proven.

2. No matter what the background for this psalm, David, as he has done over and over, turns to God in the very first verse. His prayer to God should remind us to turn to God first when troubles come; not just when we have exhausted all human help.

3. Verse 2 is one of the verses that leads some to think that David is running, and probably from Absalom. He is praying “from the ends of the earth,” yet God still hears. In fact, David points out that God still hears even when our heart is “faint” (when our hope is falling).

4. The end of verse 2 contains one of the more famous descriptive phrases in Psalms: “the rock that is higher than I.” Only God can help us find a safe place when the world is crashing in around us.

5. Verses 3 and 4 contain four different word pictures of God’s protection: (1) A refuge, (2) a tower of strength, (3) Your tent and (4) the shelter of Your wings. While it might be somewhat overlapping, a sermon or devotional thought on these four concepts might be just what some people need to hear. Many feel as if God does not protect, but David, even in the depths of despair, continued to know that God was protecting him.

6. Verse 6 contains a great statement of faith. David knows that God will protect his life. This could mean, obviously, that David would be safe through this particular difficulty. Also, though, considering David’s royal status, it could be a reference to the continuation of his family’s line on the throne. Thus the reference to “many generations” at the end of the verse.

7. As he has done many times, David ends the psalm (verse 8) with a promise to worship God because God does so much for David. David also promises to do so daily for the rest of his life.