Cry
Sometimes we need a good cry
Psalm 61
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.
Some scholars think David is running for his life. Having left Jerusalem, he’s headed for the desert with his family, a band of loyal supporters, some of the priests and probably other loyal leaders as well.
His son, Absalom has proclaimed himself king, taken over the palace, made a show of taking David’s wives, and even convinced some of David’s wise men to follow him.
In this situation, he writes this psalm. Look at the two distinct directions this prayer goes. First, a cry for help. Hear my cry…lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Then a reaffirmation of the good things God has done in the past. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower from the foe.
Maybe you’re not running for your life. Maybe your son isn’t trying to kill you. Maybe everything you’ve every worked for isn’t being threatened. (Or maybe it is.)
But you’re crying to God about something right now. How does the prayer sound when you finish it? Hear my cry…
Don’t forget to acknowledge some of the ways God has cared for you in the past.
Take a moment now.