The context of Psalm 62 is unclear.  There are several situations in David’s life where it could apply.  After his coronation as king, it seems he indicated his enemy was attempting to throw him down and topple him from his lofty place (vv. 3-4).  This is most likely a reference to someone trying to overthrow him as king.  It could have been Absalom, as discussed in Psalm 61, or it could have been some still loyal to Saul who wanted to see David fall.  Even after David was king, there was a continued war between the house of David and the house of Saul (see 2 Samuel 2-4).  Just because God promotes you doesn’t mean some don’t want you there.  David’s enemies used lies and two-faced deception to bring him down (v. 4).  I believe David wrote Psalm 62 to express his complete trust in the Lord.  Even though he was the most powerful man in the land, anointed by God to be king of Israel, David knew he was powerless and hopeless without the Lord.

The war between the house of Saul and the house of David was intense and prolonged, but David continued to trust the Lord.  Eventually, “David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker” (2 Samuel 3:1).  In the middle of our struggle, we must remember to hold on to Lord and trust Him.  We will get stronger, and our enemies will grow weaker.  David wanted to be crystal clear in this psalm about the condition of his soul and allegiance to the Lord.  He uses the Hebrew word “ak” in verses 1, 2, 5, 6, and 9.  It is a particle of affirmation that means “only, truly, fully, certainly, completely, exactly, and surely.”  There is no doubt David’s soul indeed finds rest and salvation in God (vv. 1, 5) that God is genuinely his rock and fortress (vv. 2, 6), and his enemy is as truly fleeting as the wind (v. 9).  David’s so confident in the Lord that he’s encouraging everyone looking to his leadership as king to “trust in Him at all times and pour your hearts out to Him” (v. 8).  People look to Christian leaders for hope and guidance during their trials.  One only gains the ability and confidence of people to lead them through hard times as they genuinely, thoroughly, and entirely rely on God in their difficulty.

David’s confidence wasn’t in his riches.  His enemies had gained their wealth by extortion and theft (v. 10a).  We must not place our hope in material possessions because when we do, we will commit evil acts to try and gain them and the false assurance they bring.  Even if we do achieve them honestly, David reminds us, “Though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them” (v. 10b).   David knew “power belongs to God,” His “love is unfailing,” and He will “reward everyone according to what they have done (v. 12).  God loves you and is strong enough to continue to bless you and deal with those who curse you.  Keep walking in integrity and faithfulness to the Lord.

Questions:

1. Are you more focused on the ones who hate your promotion or the One Who promoted you?
2. Are you “only, truly, fully, certainly, completely, exactly, and surely” reliant on the Lord?
3. Are you trusting status, achievements, acquisitions, or the Lord Who accomplished all of that for you?

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for blessing me.  I genuinely find hope and peace in You.  I will never be shaken.  May I trust in You, not what You have done for me.  May I lean on You, not the blessings You have brought to my life.  I will use the blessings You brought to my life to lead others to You.  You are my Rock and my Salvation.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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stephenrharrison

Stephen and his wife Haley have called Arkansas home all of their lives. Stephen has served in several ministry roles over the last 25 years and as a lead pastor for the last 8 years. Stephen attended Williams Baptist College and earned a BA in Biblical Studies from Ouachita Baptist University, an MA, MDiv, and DMin in Christian Leadership and Pastoral Ministries from Liberty University. When not pastoring, Stephen enjoys running, cycling, reading, writing, camping, fishing, and spending time with his family.