Many people think that Christianity is simply a religion, a set of rituals to practice and rules to follow, a list of things to do and of other things to leave undone. But today’s psalm provides a helpful corrective to this point of view, for in it David actually does very little about his problems. In fact, even when his heart is faint and even when he is obviously in great need of protection, all he really does is pray (verses 1 and 2).

Yes, instead of trying to figure out where he should go, he simply asks God to lead him (verse 2). Instead of scheming to escape from his enemies, he simply asks God to allow him to take refuge in the safest place of all – God’s presence (verse 4). And instead of trying to determine for himself what is right and wrong, he asks God to tell him what is true (verse 7), and to show him lovingkindness – God’s never-ending, promise-keeping, unconditional love.

And it is knowing that God loves him in such a way that gives David the courage not only to pray but to trust that God would hear and answer his prayers. In fact, in looking back over his life, David could see that God had indeed answered such prayers so many times before. For even as he prayed that God would let him take refuge in the shelter of His wings (verse 4), David admitted that God had already been a refuge and a strong tower for him (verse 3). And so, knowing Who God is and what God had already done for him, David could be confident that God would, indeed, prolong his life.

But again, David simply trusted God to do all these things. All David did about his problems was to cry out to God, and to praise God for hearing and answering his prayers. It was only then, at the very end of the psalm, that David promised to do the sorts of things we usually associate with religion – keeping the promises he had made to God (verse 8).

So, today, will we stop trying to earn God’s favor and simply rest in His love? For the good news is that all who trust in Christ can not only be sure that He will hear and answer our prayers for help in this world. For He has gone to prepare a place for us (John 14:2-3), a place where we will live with Him forever (verse 4).

Psalm 61 (NASB)

For the choir director; on a stringed instrument. A Psalm of David.
Hear my cry, O God; Give heed to my prayer.
2 From the end of the earth I call to Thee, when my heart is faint; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
3 For Thou hast been a refuge for me, A tower of strength against the enemy.
4 Let me dwell in Thy tent forever; Let me take refuge in the shelter of Thy wings. Selah.
5 For Thou hast heard my vows, O God; Thou hast given me the inheritance of those who fear Thy name.
6 Thou wilt prolong the king’s life; His years will be as many generations.
7 He will abide before God forever; Appoint lovingkindness and truth, that they may preserve him.
8 So I will sing praise to Thy name forever, That I may pay my vows day by day.