READ: Ps. 62:1–13: Truly my soul silently waits for God … From Him comes my expectation … my refuge is in God … Pour out your heart before Him … power belongs to God … Also to You, O Lord, belongs mercy; For You render to each one according to his work.
David’s state of mind is not calm and quiet. The tension has greatly increased for him. Not so much because of psychological strain or physical hardships, but because of spiritual distress. David sees himself threatened by people who want to cast him down from his throne. His high office as king is in danger.
His opponents do not cease from their lies and deceit. While speaking pious words, they curse him (v.5). David sees through their devilish intentions. He knows that God will not allow them to murder him (v.4), yet so much hatred and hostility oppress him. The temptation is to give up courage altogether.
In Psalm 22 this is described as the attack of bulls and dogs; this was fulfilled in the suffering of Christ. But whereas Christ, in His far greater distress, could not take refuge with the LORD, David could. The church must also face distress after the Ascension of Christ.
John writes about this in Revelation 12: “And the dragon was enraged with the woman (the church), and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring” (cf. also 1 Pet. 5:8).
But then, in his distress, David also points out the way for us here: Surely, God is my salvation, my rock, my secure fortress. He will bring him through it and punish his adversaries. Therefore David’s expectation is from God. This gives him rest, even in distress: “Truly, my soul silently waits for God.” It is necessary to keep realizing this again and again; hence the repetition of verse 2 in verse 6.
Then David also exhorts the people always, even in times of distress, to trust in the LORD (v.9). He will grant deliverance, no matter how great the distress may be. Bring all your troubles and cares before the LORD (v.8).
Paul speaks likewise in Phil. 4:6–7: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Do we pour out our hearts in our prayers?
Sing: Ps. 62:3,4,5,7