Psalm
62 reminds me of the instructions that come with furniture that must
be assembled. Like most men, I usually try putting things together
on my own first, and then look at the directions when I get stuck.
I’ve noticed that many times key information is provided that could
have saved a great deal of frustration. As I observe life, it seems
that many people have lives filled with activity. Businesses are
built, homes are furnished, passions are pursued, yet they find
something is still missing. This psalm begins with instruction that
many of us wish we had read first. “My
soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him“.
I believe people are ultimately looking for rest for their soul. It
cannot be found in wealth, or success, or even family. David learned
God’s salvation is eternal, “I
will never be shaken“.
He understood this odd quirk about human behavior; when people reach
the top, others want to see them fall. “They…
topple him from his lofty place; they take delight in lies.
With
their mouths they bless, but in their hearts they curse“.
David repeats to himself, “Find
rest, O my soul, in God alone“.
This is spoken by a man that had lived in caves and the greatest
palace man can build, “My
salvation and my honor depend on God“.
And he adds this note to the self-reliant. “Trust
in Him
at
all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him“.
He is saying this is not just a handy hint, but an entirely new life
orientation. Is your project incomplete?
David
also explains this truth applies to everyone, “Lowborn
men…
the highborn… if weighed on a balance, they
are
nothing;
together
they are only a breath“.
The industrious, hard working folks that are self-made can also
become over confident. “Though
your riches increase, do not set your heart on them‘.
As the psalm closes, David describes two attributes of God, “You,
O God, are strong…
and
that
You,
O Lord, are loving“.
Interestingly, he adds, “Surely
You will reward each person according to
what
he has done“.
Are you fulfilling your purpose? It is time to finish the job.
“Let
us fix our eyes on Jesus, the
author and finisher of our faith,
who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame,
and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God”
(Hebrews 12:2).
Psalm
63 reminds me of the first time I went to a church with people
singing and lifting hands to God in worship. I thought it was very
odd. It struck me as people trying to work up an emotion. I did not
realize it was an unrestrained expression of thanks. It naturally
flowed as a result of trusting God to complete what He started.
After God works in our life, we are left with a desire to give thanks
and express God’s greatness. The psalm begins, “You
are my God, earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You, my body
longs for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water… I
will praise You as long as I live“.
Many times in my life, I was unable to express my thanks to people.
I simply did not know how to communicate the gratitude I felt. I
have learned that an awkward thanks is better than saying nothing.
David did not hesitate to give God praise. “On
my bed I remember You; I think of You through the watches of the
night“.
How important was God in David’s life? “My
soul clings to You;
Your
right hand upholds me.”
David closes with this personal appeal, “The
king will rejoice in God; all who swear by God’s name will praise
Him“.
Have you said thanks to God today?