Psalm 61 - The Rock

Psalm 61:1-8 NIV

Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. 

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. 

For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. 

I long to dwell in your tent forever 

 and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. 

For you, God, have heard my vows; 

 you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name. 

Increase the days of the king’s life, his years for many generations. 

May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever; 

 appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him. 

Then I will ever sing in praise of your name 

 and fulfill my vows day after day.

Psalm 61 is a beautiful prayer lifted up on behalf of the king. I like to think that the writer was in Babylon in exile. It's not that I wish that someone was suffering, dragged off in servitude far from home. It's just that the psalm has the feeling that things are not good. Yet the prayer is filled with hope.

She prays with a heavy heart. She asks to be led to the rock that is higher than her. She's most likely asking for a lift in her spirits, poetically speaking. To get up on a higher rock is to get a better view, a birdseye view. Or is it that she wants to see a God's eye view?

How many times in life have I wanted to see things the way God sees them? How many times have I asked God, "Why?" The suffering of the world often causes us to yearn to know the reason for it.

But there's something else I cannot ignore when I read this cry to be lifted to a higher rock. That rock is Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:4) Jesus Christ is our king! When she prays for the King to have long life she's praying for a lengthy rule for God's anointed one. Under His righteous leadership the people of God will thrive. And if she is living in exile, she longs to return to Jerusalem with the king leading them.

The Messiah is the one and only Son of David who shall be king enthroned forever! His kingdom shall have no end and it shall reach to the ends of the earth. She is praying in a far away place. She feels far removed from home, far removed to the ends of the earth. She longs for the temple in Jerusalem, for the goodness and blessings you experience there. Whether she knows it or not she is praying for the Messiah. She is praying for the reign of Jesus Christ.

We are so fortunate to be living after the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We are not living far removed from all things good and the blessings of God. The dwelling tent of God is our own bodies. For through Christ God pours His Holy Spirit into our hearts. The most holy place where God dwells is within us. Christ is enthroned in the heart of every believer. Heaven is as close as the prayer on your lips.

Yes, we are fortunate. For God has given to us, "the heritage of those who revere His name." (Psalm 61:5) Be lifted. Be blessed by the Rock.