Psalms 61:1 - Meaning and Application

In these verses, we can see David’s close dependence on God in the day of trouble. “Whatever comes, I will cry to you,” he says, not to false gods, but to God alone. He will not turn against God because God has afflicted him, but will still look to him and wait for him. And he will not pray in a cold, careless way, but with deep urgency and earnestness, like one who will not let God go unless God blesses him.

David says he will do this even though he is far from the sanctuary, the house of prayer where he used to worship. “From the end of the earth,” or from the farthest and most hidden place in the land, “I will cry to you.” Wherever we are, we still have free access to God, and the way to his throne of grace is always open. Heaven is equally near from every place. In fact, when sorrow and loneliness seem strongest, that is a good reason to cry out to God all the more.

David also prays this way even though his heart is sinking. “Though my heart is overwhelmed,” he says, it is not so crushed that it cannot be lifted up to God in prayer. If the heart cannot be raised in that way, then it is too far down. Since his heart is ready to fail, he will cry to God, because prayer will support him and bring relief. Sorrow should stir prayer, not silence it. If anyone is suffering, let him pray (James 5:13; Psalm 102, title).

David then gives the special request he brings when his heart is overwhelmed and he feels ready to sink: “Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” He asks to be brought to a rock he cannot reach by his own effort. He is asking God to give him such firm assurance of safety that only God’s special grace can work it in him. He also asks to be brought to a place of safety above his troubles, into a calmer and quieter place than he could ever reach by his own power or wisdom.

God’s power and promise are that higher rock. Christ is that rock, and those who are in him are safe. We cannot get onto this rock unless God leads us there by his power. He says, “I will put you in the cleft of the rock” (Exodus 33:22). So we should give ourselves to God’s care by faith and prayer, so that we may come under his protection.

David also shows his confidence that God will answer him with peace. He prays in faith, “Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer” (Psalm 61:1). He wants the present comfort of knowing that God has heard him (Psalm 20:6), and he trusts that in due time he will receive what he asks for.

The basis for that hope is God’s past help. “You have been a shelter for me,” David says, “a strong tower from the enemy.” Since he has already found God to be a higher rock and a safe refuge, he trusts that God will continue to lead him there. Past experience of God’s kindness should both keep us close to him and encourage us to believe that trusting him will not be wasted. God’s name is still a strong tower for the righteous, just as it was before (Proverbs 18:10).

David also resolves to keep walking in duty to God and depending on him. God’s service will be his steady work and aim. All who expect God to be their shelter and strong tower must make this their way of life, because only his faithful servants enjoy that protection. “I will abide in your tabernacle forever.” David was then kept away from the tabernacle, and that was one of his greatest griefs. Yet he is sure that God’s providence will bring him back, because God’s grace had already given him such a love for the tabernacle that he wanted to dwell there always (Psalm 27:4).

He speaks of abiding there forever because the tabernacle was a sign and picture of heaven (Hebrews 9:8, Hebrews 9:9, Hebrews 9:24). Those who dwell in God’s tabernacle now, serving him for their short time on earth, will one day dwell in the tabernacle of glory forever. He also says, “I will make my refuge in the covert of his wings,” like chicks hiding safely and warmly under a hen’s wings. Those who have found God to be their shelter should keep coming to him in every trouble. And those who abide in God’s tabernacle have this blessing: in time of trouble, he will hide them there.