God Is Our Shelter
(NIV) Psalm 61:1 For the director of music. With stringed instruments. Of David.
1 Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. 2 From 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.
3 For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. 4 I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.
As a pastor, I often suggested to people who were grieving that they read the Psalms. Why? Because although David was sometimes in almost hopeless situations, his inclination was always to turn to God.
God called David a man after His own heart, not because David was perfect, but because David was quick to turn to God for redemption and restoration when he sinned.
When David says in this psalm he is calling to God from the ends of the earth, he is not speaking merely of physical distance, but spiritual separation as well. Sometimes we can be overwhelmed by our circumstances, and in those moments it can seem that God has abandoned us. But Scripture assures us that God never has, nor ever will, forsake us.
(NIV) Heb 13:5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you: never will I forsake you.”
6 So we say with confidence, the Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
(NIV) Deut 15 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
David claimed God as his refuge, his rock, his high tower and his shelter. Believe that—hold on to that. Regardless of our circumstances, may we by faith cling to the promise that God will never leave us or forsake us.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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