October 27, 2024
Background Scripture: Psalm 62
Lesson Passage: Psalm 62
Some of the Psalms of David describe his response to specific incidents in his life. Yet, others appear as wisdom he received from God as he experienced God's presence at different times during his life. Psalm 62 seems to be more the latter. This is not to suggest that there were no situations in David's life that are alluded to in this psalm by some of the phrases, or expressions used. The rebellion of Absalom when David was king is such a situation. However, in this psalm, David seems to write out of the wisdom gained from personally experiencing God's deliverance, consistency of character, and steadfastness over much of his life. David expresses confidence in God's deliverance without offering any specific reason for his assurance. What the scriptures record of David's life is enough for us to appreciate his faith in God. Several cases are recorded where God spared David's life beginning in his youth and extending into his later years as an adult when he was king over Israel. Whether it was a bear or a lion as a youth, or the wicked or the righteous as an adult, when David needed delivering, God provided it. Sometimes David was innocent, sometimes he was right, and sometimes he was wrong. Yet, God delivered him from all those situations. The scriptures disclose that David was far from perfect; but he maintained faith in God—even when he was wrong! Psalm 62 appears to reflect the wisdom of those experiences. At the beginning of the psalm, David declares that his soul waits in silence for God. This contrasts with the more common response of an agitated impatience when life is difficult. His silence indicates that he is not foolishly suggesting how, or when, God should deliver him. This is not confidence in his head but peace within his soul. David does not give himself any other option besides God. In other words, he does not engage in wishful thinking concerning his outcome. On the other hand, he does declare the fate, or outcome, of the wicked who attacks him. The wicked shall be destroyed for they are not trustworthy. Anyone who delights in lies cannot be trusted with the truth. Lies are a form of darkness in which liars seek to conceal the truth. Wicked people are hypocrites. They declare one thing with their mouths, but their behavior exposes their true intent within. Then David addresses himself in this psalm. He commands his soul to depend on no other besides the Lord and to patiently wait for God's plan to unfold. David's experience shows that God's way is the only way, and yet he still must remind himself of his experiences with God. God does not change. If God has been faithful in the past, then He is faithful today and forever. Therefore, David reminds himself that he is not looking for any other sources of deliverance. If God does not come through for David, then David is resigned to accept the outcome. He does not stray from his faith in God for deliverance. Having steadied himself with self-talk, David turned his attention to others who are the people of God. He encourages other people of faith to forever put their trust in God by being transparent with Him. We should open our hearts to God and empty ourselves before Him so that He may fill us with His goodness. Wicked people are nothing to be afraid of because they are weak, or empty. They cannot be relied on in time of need. Neither should one trust in riches or ill-gotten gain. None of those things have the power to deliver us from trouble. Even Jesus in the Model Prayer declared that God's power is forever. The greatest exercise of God's power is expressed in His great love for mankind. We should trust in God alone.
Robert C. Hudson
October 21, 2024