YOU CAN'T DO IT ON YOUR OWN

March 29, 2017

YOU CAN'T DO IT ON YOUR OWN

Psalm 61

Grant Rosener

Central Truth

The presence of God is the only place you will find lasting peace. To dwell in His presence you must come to the end of yourself and entrust yourself to the One who paid your debt (Colossians 2:14). Surrender to Him, and you will gain all that you need.

Lead me to the rock
that is higher than I,
for you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the enemy.
(Psalm 61:2b-3)

Lead Me to the Rock

To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. Of David.

1 Hear my cry, O God,
    listen to my prayer;
2 from the end of the earth I call to you
    when my heart is faint.
Lead me to the rock
    that is higher than I,
3 for you have been my refuge,
    a strong tower against the enemy.

4 Let me dwell in your tent forever!
Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah
5 For you, O God, have heard my vows;
you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.

6 Prolong the life of the king;
may his years endure to all generations!
7 May he be enthroned forever before God;
appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over him!

8 So will I ever sing praises to your name,
as I perform my vows day after day.

David was desperate. His heart was faint, and he needed security and rest. David was the mightiest of men, yet he knew that he didn't have the strength to fight all of the battles that life brings. He needed a higher, stronger, and more stable rock than himself; he needed God.

David understood that there is only one Rock strong enough to shelter him from the attacks of the enemy (both presently and eternally), so he sought to dwell in His presence forever. The tent is the dwelling place of God. As such, it is where protection and peace can be found. This is why David sought to dwell in God’s house above all else (Psalm 27:4); he never wanted to leave the peace and protection that only God can provide.

God is the Rock that you so desperately desire and need. He is your protection and your peace in the midst of the storms of this life. It is only when you submit yourself to His rule and reign that you will experience true peace and protection, both now and eternally. He bids you to simply come and find the rest your soul needs by surrendering to His way—faith in Jesus Christ.

Oh, that you would grasp how great your need is for a Savior! Seek the Rock that is enthroned forever (Jesus Christ), and find peace in His protection. For then, and only then, will you dwell securely and find everything that your soul longs for.

When you feel like God has abandoned you and you have no peace, find comfort in His faithful love and unending mercies (Lamentations 3:17, 21-23). He will never leave nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6). After all, He sent His Son to die for your sins that you may dwell in His presence forever (1 Peter 3:18).

1. Have you recognized your need for Jesus Christ to provide you with eternal peace and protection? If so, are you submitting yourself to His rule in all things?

2. What is the "rock" of your life? Where do you seek protection and peace?

3. Are you able to praise God even when you feel desperate and defeated?