July 29, 2024

God Can Be Trusted with Your Salvation and Your Sorrows

Psalm 62

Caleb Govati
Monday's Devo

July 29, 2024

Monday's Devo

July 29, 2024

Monday's Devo

July 29, 2024

Monday's Devo

July 29, 2024

Big Book Idea

Thinking and feeling God's way.

Key Verse | Psalm 62:7-8

On God rests my salvation and my glory;
my mighty rock, my refuge is God.
Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us. Selah

Psalm 62

My Soul Waits for God Alone

To the choirmaster: according to Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.

1  For God alone my soul waits in silence;
    from him comes my salvation.
2  He alone is my rock and my salvation,
    my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.

3  How long will all of you attack a man
    to batter him,
    like a leaning wall, a tottering fence?
4  They only plan to thrust him down from his high position.
    They take pleasure in falsehood.
They bless with their mouths,
    but inwardly they curse. Selah

5  For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
    for my hope is from him.
6  He only is my rock and my salvation,
    my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
7  On God rests my salvation and my glory;
    my mighty rock, my refuge is God.

8  Trust in him at all times, O people;
    pour out your heart before him;
    God is a refuge for us. Selah

9  Those of low estate are but a breath;
    those of high estate are a delusion;
in the balances they go up;
    they are together lighter than a breath.
10  Put no trust in extortion;
    set no vain hopes on robbery;
    if riches increase, set not your heart on them.

11  Once God has spoken;
    twice have I heard this:
that power belongs to God,
12      and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love.
For you will render to a man
    according to his work.

Table of Contents
Introduction to The Psalms

Introduction to The Psalms

Timeline

Author and Date

Individual psalms come from diverse periods of Israel’s history, but at every stage they served as the songbook of God’s people. David wrote about half of the Psalms. His role as king was more than that of a ruler. He was to represent and even embody the people, and their well-being was tied to his faithfulness. David, then, writes as a representative, and the readers must discern whether the emphasis of a psalm is more on his role as ruler or more on his role as ideal Israelite, in which he is an example for all. The historical occasions mentioned in the psalm titles help the reader see how faith applies to real-life situations.

Key Themes

The Psalter is fundamentally the hymnbook of God’s people. It takes the basic themes of OT theology and turns them into song:

  1. Monotheism. The one God, Maker and Ruler of all, will vindicate his goodness and justice in his own time. Everyone must know and love this God, whose purity, power, wisdom, faithfulness, and unceasing love are breathtakingly beautiful.
  2. Creation and fall. Though God made man with dignity and purpose, all people since the fall are beset with sins and weaknesses that only God’s grace can heal.
  3. Election and covenant. The one true God chose a people for himself and bound himself to them by his covenant. This covenant expressed God’s intention to save his people, and through them to bring light to the world.
  4. Covenant membership. In his covenant, God offers grace to his people: forgiveness of their sins, the shaping of their lives to reflect his own glory, and a part to play as light to the Gentiles. Each member of God’s people is responsible to believe God’s promises and to grow in obeying his commands. Those who do this enjoy the full benefits of God’s love and find delight in knowing him. The well-being of God’s people as a whole affects the well-being of each member. Each one shares the joys and sorrows of the others. When believers suffer, they should not seek revenge but should pray. They can be confident that God will make all things right in his own time.
  5. Eschatology. The story of God’s people is headed toward a glorious future, in which all kinds of people will come to know the Lord. The personal faithfulness of God’s people contributes to his ultimate purpose. The Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, will lead his people in the great task of bringing light to the Gentiles.

Types of Psalms

The Psalms can be identified according to some basic categories:

Laments, which lay a troubled situation before the Lord, asking him for help. There are community (Psalm 12) and individual (Psalm 13) laments. This category is the largest by far, including up to a third of all Psalms.

Hymns of praise, which call God’s people to admire his great attributes and deeds. Examples include Psalms 8; 93; and 145.

Hymns of thanksgiving. As with laments, there are community (Psalm 9) and individual (Psalm 30) thanksgiving psalms.

Hymns celebrating God’s law (Psalm 119).

Wisdom psalms (Psalms 1; 37), which reflect themes from the Wisdom Books (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon).

Songs of confidence, which enable worshipers to deepen their trust in God amid difficult circumstances (Psalm 23).

Royal psalms, which present the Davidic monarchy as the vehicle of blessing for God’s people. Some of these are prayers (Psalm 20), some are thanksgivings (Psalm 21). All relate to the Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, either by setting a pattern (Psalms 20–21) or by portraying the king’s reign in such a way that only the Messiah can completely fulfill it (Psalms 2; 72), or by focusing on the future (Psalm 110).

Historical psalms, which take lessons from the history of God’s dealings with his people (Psalm 78).

Prophetic hymns, which echo the Prophets, calling people to covenant faithfulness (Psalm 81).

Structure

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
The Global Message of The Psalms

The Global Message of The Psalms

The Psalms are a resounding call for all God’s people and for all the world to sing! We are called to sing songs of confession and trust in God; to sing songs of thanksgiving and praise. The Psalms summon the global church to take up the cause of calling the world to join in such global and eternal songs of trust in, delight in, and worship of God for his magnificence—especially his magnificence displayed in his saving mercy.

Songs of Honest Lament

There is a surprising degree of honesty found in the prayers and songs of the Psalms. We find honest lament to God, with frequent repetition of questions such as “Why?” and “How long?” The psalmist asks in Psalm 42:9, “Why have you forgotten me?” Another psalm wonders, “Why, O LORD, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (10:1; see also 88:14). “How long, O LORD?” is a frequent cry to God in the Psalms (see 6:3; 13:1; 79:5; 89:46).

Such prayers flow from desperately challenging situations, in which life feels overwhelming. Yet they also reflect the confident expectations of our honest cries to our compassionate and faithful God. The Lord invites his people worldwide to be boldly transparent before him—no masks, no pretense—even when the heart is breaking. He promises never to abandon those who belong to him.

Songs of Repentance and Trust

Songs of repentance are scattered throughout the Psalms. In such songs there are confessions of corporate sin—“Both we and our fathers have sinned; we have committed iniquity; we have done wickedness” (Ps. 106:6)—and individual songs of penitence (Psalms 6; 25; 32; 38; 51; 130; 143). These are not hopeless laments, but cries to a God who is a gracious deliverer (6:4), who deals with us according to his great love and mercy (51:1), and whose forgiveness flows from his goodness and not ours (130:3–4).

There is abundant reason to trust such a God for every good thing and in every situation (Psalm 23). To such a God we turn in times of great trouble, when we are at an utter loss in this fallen world. When enemies surround us and there is no one to help, God is our hope for deliverance (Psalm 22). Whether the desperate individual (Psalm 13) or the destitute community (Psalm 12) is in view, God is faithful to his promises. His steadfast love endures. He is worthy of our songs!

Songs of Thanksgiving and Praise

The Psalms are a divinely orchestrated hymnbook of thanksgiving and praise for God’s people. The covenant people of God return thanks to God for his wonderful deeds of deliverance, justice, and defense (Psalm 9), and for his favor and mercies (30:5, 7, 8, 10). All of this moves his people to burst into songs of joy and glad dancing (30:11–12).

In the Psalms, the people of God rejoice in all that God is and all that he has done. These songs of praise exalt God for his unsearchable greatness, his glorious splendor, and his awesome deeds (Ps. 145:3–6). He is worshiped as the King over all creation (93:1),the eternal King (10:16), the King of glory (24:8, 10), the King of all the earth (47:7), and the great King above all gods (95:3).

The Global Message of the Psalms

For all God’s people. The global message of the Psalms is that in light of God’s unfailing love and faithfulness there is a song to be sung by all God’s people everywhere—whatever their circumstances, whatever their emotions, whatever their adversity. The song to be sung will be of varied themes: lament, confession, repentance, thanksgiving, or praise to God. All of these, however, are songs of worship, expressing the universal experiences of God’s people. This is worship of God by the individual and the community, local and global, young and old (Ps. 148:12), now and forever (89:52). For a lost world filled with rebellion and sorrow, there is no greater remedy than a song that brings those who sing it to take refuge in God himself: a song for the oppressed, the hungry, the prisoner, the sojourner, the widow, and the fatherless (146:7–9).

A new song. The message of the Psalms is a call to the whole world to “Sing a new song!” “Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth!” (Ps. 96:1). This is not a song of empty promises, but a song full of hope, a song exulting in the salvation of a covenant keeping and merciful God; not a song that fades, but an enduring, eternal song; a song of a God who lifts us out of mud and mire (69:2, 14).

Celebrating salvation. The book of Psalms opens with a picture of the two ways of life—the blessed and fruitful life of the one who delights in God, and the fleeting life of the wicked who (apart from God) stand condemned (Psalm 1). The world is called to set aside folly and to join in the life and song of the Redeemer, celebrating the salvation that is rooted in the sacrifice of the Savior (Psalm 22). This new song has been sung down through the ages; it continues today throughout the world; and it will one day be sung in the very throne room of God (Rev. 14:3).

Summoning the Nations

To the ends of the earth. The global church has a message for the world: join in this song! It is a celebration that will generate further praise—globally, generationally, and eternally. The church is to “declare his glory among the nations!” (Ps. 96:3). From Israel to the Christian church today to the global kingdom that will one day be known to the very ends of the earth, the redeemed of the Lord will come from every nation, tribe, people, and language, giving God thanks and celebrating his grace (Rev. 7:9).

For all nations. There is a message for the nations: “Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!” (Ps. 117:1). The Lord humbles the nations (9:5, 19, 20), but he extends to all an offer of mercy and grace. One day, the nations will become Christ’s inheritance (2:8). This song begins with us but it must not end with us. There is a glorious globalization of the worship of God that we are privileged to help advance. In Christ we have found fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore (16:11). In turn we call the nations as well to be glad and sing for joy in him (67:4).

Fulfilled in Jesus. The love and mercy of God that forms the heart of the Psalms explodes onto history with the coming of Christ. It is in and through him that believers worldwide see God’s covenant faithfulness right before their eyes.

Spreading God’s glory. That glorious, global worship of God through Jesus Christ is not yet fully known or complete. Generating it is therefore our glad mission while on this earth. We will not rest till God’s glorious name is blessed forever and the whole earth is filled with his glory (Ps. 72:19).

Psalms Fact #3: How are the Psalms divided?

Fact: How are the Psalms divided?

How are the Psalms divided? The Psalms are divided into five books: 1–41; 42–72; 73–89; 90–106; 107–150. Each book ends with a “doxology,” a hymn of praise to God.

Psalms Fact #4: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

Fact: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God? The Psalms were the songbook of the people of God when they gathered for worship.

Psalms Fact #6: What is a psalm of lament?

Fact: What is a psalm of lament?

What is a psalm of lament? The main purpose of a psalm of lament is to tell the Lord about a difficult situation, to ask him for his help, and to praise him for helping. Some laments are community, congregational psalms. Others are individual, personal laments. One third of all the Psalms are psalms of lament.

Psalms Fact #7: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

Fact: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

How many of the Psalms were written by David? David is the author of about half of the Psalms. Other authors include Asaph, Solomon, Moses, and the sons of Korah.

Psalms Fact #9: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

Fact: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel? The “enemies” mentioned in the Psalms (e.g., 18:17) were people hostile to the faith of God’s people. Sometimes they expressed their hatred by physically attacking the people of Israel, while other times they merely rejoiced when Israel faced misfortunes.

Psalms Fact #10: Are the Psalms poetry?

Fact: Are the Psalms poetry?

Are the Psalms poetry? The Psalms often reflect the feelings or emotions of the person who wrote the psalm. The book of Psalms includes poetry that covers all kinds of emotional feelings and experiences, from anguish and sorrow to great joy and thanksgiving.

Psalms Fact #12: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

Fact: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

How often does the NT quote from the Psalms? Of all the OT books, the Psalms and Isaiah are by far the two most widely quoted in the NT.

Psalms Fact #13: Selah

Fact: Selah

What does Selah mean? Although the word Selah is found 39 times in the book of Psalms, its exact meaning is uncertain. Most scholars believe it is a musical term or a term to be used by a worship leader, possibly to mark a pause.

Psalms Fact #20: Snares

Fact: Snares

Snares (38:12) were traps used to catch birds and animals. Some snares used ropes or nets that would be triggered as soon as the bait was touched. Pits disguised with sticks and leaves were also used as snares. In the Psalms, snares serve as symbols of danger or death at the hands of the wicked.

Psalms Fact #27: A helpful guide

Fact: A helpful guide

A helpful guide. The writers of the Psalms understood the importance of constant communication with God. They knew that God would hear their prayers, and they trusted him to act on their behalf. Believers today can benefit greatly by patterning their prayers after specific psalms.

Psalms Fact #28: Memorizing the Psalms

Fact: Memorizing the Psalms

Memorizing the Psalms. The poetic style of the Psalms make them easy to memorize. Throughout the centuries, many believers have memorized all 150 Psalms.

Psalms Fact #40: How long?

Fact: How long?

How long? This question (79:5) occurs nearly twenty times in the Psalms, more than any other question. It is almost always associated with a psalm of lament, such as Psalm 79.

Structure of Psalms

Structure of Psalms

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

Romans 3 OT Reference
Sinful Condition
v. 10, none is righteous Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20
v. 11a, no one understands Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 11b, no one seeks for God Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one Ps. 14:3/53:3
Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips)
v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9)
v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips Ps. 140:3
v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness Ps. 10:7
Sinful Action
v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7
v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery Isa. 59:7
v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known Isa. 59:8
Summary Statement
v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes Ps. 36:1
Study Notes

Ps. 62:1–2 God alone. God is the only reliable hope. The psalm contrasts God’s salvation and the kind that comes through unjust means (see v. 10, “put no trust in extortion”).

Study Notes

Ps. 62:3–4 The next section speaks to those who attack a man, particularly through lies and injustice. The question how long is not asking for information but is expressing despair (compare 13:1).

Study Notes

Ps. 62:8–10 After speaking to his own soul (vv. 5–7), the singer now addresses the whole congregation (O people). He urges them to trust in God and to find in him a refuge. They should refuse to participate in the methods of the attackers (put no trust in extortion). Humans are together lighter than a breath, so any merely human effort will fail to achieve lasting good.

Study Notes

Psalm Ps. 62. God’s people sing this psalm for encouragement as they are oppressed by powerful, wealthy people. In such a situation, it would be easy to despair, or else to seek security in power and wealth rather than in God.

Ps. 62:11–12 To say once . . . twice is to indicate that the idea is certain. God has the power to carry out his will, and because of his steadfast love, his people can trust him to do that.

Ps. 62:12 render to a man according to his work. In the final judgment, believers’ deeds will show the reality of their faith (see Matt. 12:33–37; 16:27; John 5:28–29; James 1:12; Rev. 20:13).

S3:147 Psalm 62

Listen Now

Dive Deeper | Psalm 62

Throughout his life, King David was surrounded by difficulties and dangers and encompassed by many enemies seeking to destroy his life. But David's confidence was in the Lord, who was his rock, his refuge, and his mighty fortress. 

Specifically, in Psalm 62:7-8, King David demonstrates his deep trust in God by pouring his heart out before Him. God has proven Himself to always rescue David in times of difficulty. Thus, David's plea and desire was for people to wait and trust in the Lord in everything. I fully believe that King David's victories were not a coincidence but rather the result of the confidence he had in the Lord. 

Years before, when David was fighting against Goliath, he said to him: "You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied." (1 Samuel 17:45) It's amazing how even a young David knew how powerful, great, and capable the God of Israel was. David declared his total trust in Him by ensuring that even his enemy knew to whom he belonged. In return, the God of Israel honored David's faith by delivering Goliath into his hand. 

Regardless of how things are going in our lives, we (as believers) must always put our unwavering confidence in the Lord. Our faith and trust are the essential ingredients needed to receive the blessing of salvation through Jesus Christ. Jesus poured everything out on the cross for us, so we are compelled by the Holy Spirit to respond with unwavering trust in Him. My prayer is that we as the church will continue to be formed into people who put our complete trust in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and not the temporary things of this world.

This month's memory verse

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

– Romans 15:13

Discussion Questions

1. Is God number one in your life? If yes, what does that look like practically? If not, why not? 

2. What is holding you back from placing complete trust in the Lord today?

3. What has the Lord been teaching you recently, and how has that changed your relationship with others?

4. How specifically would you like to improve your relationship with Jesus?

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MS

Michael Scaman

Truly my soul finds rest in God. (Psalm 62:1a, NIV) For God alone my soul waits in silence. (Psalm 62:1a, ESV) For God alone my soul rests, waits, is silent. David emphasizes that God Himself is the reward repeating that twice emphasizing only and alone. The focus is on God as the reward. God is salvation, there is a “how long”. How long do I have to cope with people pretending to bless me trying to undermine me? David has a "Quizling " problem (often spelled "quisling"), which historically refers to a traitor who collaborates with an enemy force occupying their country. The term originated from Vidkun Quisling, a Norwegian politician who collaborated with Nazi Germany during World War In contrast to the quisling problem annoying David repeatedly going after any vulnerabilities, God's glory is displayed in His unwavering strength and the salvation He provides. God embodies both power and love, which are fundamental to His nature. In the Trinity, power and love are always together. Some examples of God substitutes not to trust are offered here, addressing the quislingers : types of status such as economic, celebrities, successes by cutting corners breaking laws with crime or corruption . That last one transitions to accountability. Trusting only in God doesn’t mean disregarding His word or “letting go and let God have his wonderful way” kicking back. with no place for discipline. There is grace, and there is judgment for works done in the body: "For you will render to a man according to his work." The most word for word quote of this is in Romans. The “you” in the verse in other places applied explicitly to Jesus. Matthew 16:27, Romans 2:6, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Revelation 22:12.. On the word for Rest/Waiting: דּוּמִיָּה (dumiyyah): Translated as "silence," "stillness," or "rest," conveying quiet waiting and peaceful trust in God. Verse 1: "Truly my soul finds rest in God" (אַ֤ךְ אֶל־אֱלֹהִים֮ דּוּמִיָּ֪ה נַפְשִׁ֥י). Verse 5: "Yes, my soul, find rest in God" (אַ֤ךְ לֵֽאלֹהִים֮ דּוּמִיָּ֪ה נַפְשִׁ֥י).
GJ

greg jones

Good morning Caleb. “My prayer is that we as the church will continue to be formed into people who put our complete trust in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and not the temporary things of this world.” Amen. For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,     for my hope is from him.   He only is my rock and my salvation,     my fortress; I shall not be shaken.   On God rests my salvation and my glory;     my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Psalm 62:5-7 As for the psalm’s context this is self talk attributed to the king, David. Trust in him at all times, O people;
    pour out your heart before him;
    God is a refuge for us. Selah   Those of low estate are but a breath;
    those of high estate are a delusion;
in the balances they go up;
    they are together lighter than a breath.
  Put no trust in extortion;
    set no vain hopes on robbery;
    if riches increase, set not your heart on them. Psalm 62:8-10 As for context, this is spoken to the people. The study notes put it this way. Ps. 62:8–10 After speaking to his own soul (vv. 5–7), the singer now addresses the whole congregation (O people). He urges them to trust in God and to find in him a refuge. They should refuse to participate in the methods of the attackers (put no trust in extortion). Humans are together lighter than a breath, so any merely human effort will fail to achieve lasting good. Isaiah 1-39 deals with the kings of Judah and Israel in pre-exile years. Isaiah 40 onward, referred to by some as second Isaiah, deals with people who have no king in the post exile years. So where the study notes refer to a singer, I imagine this psalm sung hundreds of years later than the setting of its authorship in a worship service that presents Isaiah 40:1-11 for the first time. As a psalm to sing in conjunction with a Isaiah 40 sermon there’s a contrast of a king saying in the song, “For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.” Followed by, “Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. And from the Isaiah sermon: A voice says, “Cry!”     And I said, “What shall I cry?” All flesh is grass,     and all its beauty is like the flower of the field The grass withers, the flower fades     when the breath of the Lord blows on it;     surely the people are grass.(Isaiah 40:6-7). That starts out sounding a lot like the self soul talk in Psalm 62. But, what shall I cry? We have no king to be saved and to hope in. Or to cry like like this are reserved for the cry’s of kings. “My” hope is from him, he is “my” rock, “my” salvation, “my” fortress, “I’ll” not be shaken, on God rest “my” salvation, “my” glory, “my” mighty rock, “my” refuge is God. Those my’s, that’s king talk. Per the psalm: Those of low estate are but a breath;     those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up;     they are together lighter than a breath.   Put no trust in extortion;     set no vain hopes on robbery;     if riches increase, set not your heart on them. David’s hope was in the LORD the people’s hope was in their shepherd king. (1 Samuel 8:7 interestingly the reason for 8:7 is because of what Samuel’s sons were doing 1 Samuel 8:3). Give us a king our judges have turned aside going after gain. Second Isaiah beginning in chapter 40 begins to flip that script. To a people now without a physical king it is preached: Behold, the Lord God comes with might,     and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him,     and his recompense before him.   He will tend his flock like a shepherd;     he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom,     and gently lead those that are with young. Isaiah 40:10-11 For his people, it’s a new look at what God is doing.
LD

Lindsey Driscoll

Q4. David reminds us that our “soul finds rest in God alone.” I can definitely grow in the Lord by resting in him more than the noise of this word, or the vices I want to go to as a tired mom. Matt 11:28-29 calls me to come to Jesus for the rest I need.
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Sue Bohlin

Super devo, Caleb, thank you! Psalm 62 repeats the theme, "For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken." I am reminded of one of the aphorisms taught by our first pastor: "Pre-decide." Decide in advance how you're going to respond when you're tempted, when you're afraid, when you don't know what to do. And it's always about trusting God. And then that deep wisdom was underscored by one of the best things Blake Holmes ever said: "You'd better have your theology in place before you find yourself on the fourth floor of Children's Hospital." It's interesting to read this psalm in the weeks after our life blew up in the death of our son. Because I can gratefully say that I am not greatly shaken. I know Jesus is Lord, I know He is sovereign, I know He loves Curt and our family still on this side of eternity. I can be deeply hurt and still not greatly shaken. As David lived, I can also stand in my position that God alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress.
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Amy Lowther

1. God is number one n my life. God helps the theory and the idea of number one be more understandable, attainable, and enjoyable. 2. Nothing. I trust the Lord because I can know and learn about Him and He can know and learn about me. 3. The Lord helps me trust Him in good times, and the Lord helps me continue to trust Him as good times continue versus just handling the good times myself. The Lord helps me live life in good, healthy, fun ways. 4. I wish and work for my relationship with Jesus to continue in positive ways. Caleb - Thank you for sharing your ideas. I agree with you, “King David's victories were not a coincidence but rather the result of the confidence he had in the Lord”. David shows it is good to know the Lord and to apply what is learned in daily life.