Overview:
(NET) Psalm 61. The psalmist cries out for help and expresses his confidence that God will protect him.Structure:
(EBC)
A. Prayer for Protection (vv. 1–2)
B. Expression of Confidence (vv. 3–5)
A′. Prayer for Protection (vv. 6–7)
B′. Expression of Confidence (v. 8)
Observations and Reflections:
v.1-2 In the first prayer of protection. David asked God:
v.2b Lead me up to an inaccessible rocky summit! (Heb “on to a rocky summit [that] is higher than I.”)
(BKC) "Rock” denotes a place of safety; but David wanted to be led to a rock he could not reach by himself. If God did this, he would be safe.
Am I in a situation that I need a rock that is higher than myself? In a sense, I felt that I cannot do this by my own ability. I need God to safe me. I think it is the ministry of teaching children. I feel so inadequate to teach them. I dont know how to teach them so that the lesson is Biblical and age-appropriate. God, lead me up to the rock summit of teaching children that is higher than I. I need God to help me to write this devotion sharing.
v.3-5 Expression of Confidence
v.3 "Indeed, you are..." and v.5, "For you, O God, have heard...you have given me... (ESV)"
David has expressed confidence by acknowledging Who God is and by remembering what God has done in the past.
Do I know God for Who He is? Have I remembered who He has done to me in the past?
v.6-7 In the second prayer of David, he asked for the long life and long rulership of the king.
(NET) It is not certain if the (royal) psalmist is referring to himself in the third person in this verse, or if an exile is praying on behalf of the king.
No matter who is the king David expressed the view that God is the Giver of life and the One who gives rulership to the ruler. Therefore, David asked for protection from God.
Who is God in my view? Do I see the importance of God? Do I acknowledge that He gives me my life and my power? If yes, I should pray to Him whenever I face difficulties. If yes, I should pray to Him more often than now.
v.8 Expression of Confidence
Twice the psalmist prayed to God and twice the psalmist expressed his confidence. In v.8 he knew that this cycle will continue throughout his life.
v.8 Then I will sing praises to your name continually,
as I fulfill my vows day after day.
Audrey
v.6-7 In the second prayer of David, he asked for the long life and long rulership of the king.
(NET) It is not certain if the (royal) psalmist is referring to himself in the third person in this verse, or if an exile is praying on behalf of the king.
No matter who is the king David expressed the view that God is the Giver of life and the One who gives rulership to the ruler. Therefore, David asked for protection from God.
Who is God in my view? Do I see the importance of God? Do I acknowledge that He gives me my life and my power? If yes, I should pray to Him whenever I face difficulties. If yes, I should pray to Him more often than now.
v.8 Expression of Confidence
Twice the psalmist prayed to God and twice the psalmist expressed his confidence. In v.8 he knew that this cycle will continue throughout his life.
v.8 Then I will sing praises to your name continually,
as I fulfill my vows day after day.
Audrey
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