TRUST IN HIM AT ALL TIMES

In Psalm 61, David was depressed and desired to reach the “higher rock”. In this psalm, he is in a mood of confidence, having risen to that higher plane above his circumstances.

God is everything to David, “My salvation”, vv. 1, 2, 6, 7; “my rock” and “the rock of my strength”, vv. 2, 6, 7; “my defence”, vv. 2, 6; “my glory”, v. 7; “my refuge” and “a refuge for us”, vv. 7, 8. Consequently, God is his one and only trust. Note the repetition of the word “only” in vv .2, 4, 5, 6; also the words “truly” and “surely” in vv. 1, 9, both of which may be rendered by the same word “only”. As seen before, Psa. 40. 4, David, out of his own experience of God, encourages others to trust Him at all times, v. 8.

“We may trust Him fully all for us to do; They who trust Him wholly find Him wholly true.”

Trust in God is seen in different aspects: either in “silently waiting”, for this is the meaning in vv. 1, 5; or in “pouring out the heart”, v. 8. In Psalm 46. 10, the writer said, “Be still, and know that I am God”. It was in the “still small voice” that God spoke to Elijah, 1 Kings 19. 12. Our Lord is the highest Example of the aspect of “pouring out the heart”, Heb. 5. 7. Is it not true that sometimes we are too busy or in a too agitated state of mind and soul to wait in silence upon God; and at other times, too reticent to unburden our hearts before Him?

David ascribed “power” and “mercy” (loving kindness) to God, vv. 11, 12. It has been said, “Power without Love is brutality, and Love without Power is weakness. Power is the strong foundation of Love, and Love is the beauty and crown of Power”. In the knowledge of the perfection of God’s character, David warns against putting trust in men of whatever rank, for they are “lighter than vanity”, or in wealth obtained through violence, greed or otherwise, v. 10. We are likewise warned by Paul not to “trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God”, 1 Tim. 6. 17.

Paul prayed that we might know “the exceeding greatness of his power”, Eph. 1. 19.

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us”, 3. 20.