THE ROCK THAT IS HIGHER THAN I

Passage: Psalms 61:1-8

Key verse: 2

NIV

Psalm 61[a]
For the director of music. With stringed instruments. Of David.

1 Hear my cry, O God;(A)
    listen to my prayer.(B)

2 From the ends of the earth I call to you,
    I call as my heart grows faint;(C)
    lead me to the rock(D) that is higher than I.
3 For you have been my refuge,(E)
    a strong tower against the foe.(F)

4 I long to dwell(G) in your tent forever
    and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.[b](H)
5 For you, God, have heard my vows;(I)
    you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.(J)

6 Increase the days of the king’s life,(K)
    his years for many generations.(L)
7 May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever;(M)
    appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him.(N)

8 Then I will ever sing in praise of your name(O)
    and fulfill my vows day after day.(P)

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Footnotes
  1. Psalm 61:1 In Hebrew texts 61:1-8 is numbered 61:2-9.
  2. Psalm 61:4 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here.
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

Lead Me to the Rock

To the choirmaster: with (A)stringed instruments. Of David.

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

4 Let me (G)dwell in your tent forever!
    Let me take refuge under (H)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 (I)Prolong (J)the life of the king;
    may his years endure to all generations!
7 May he be enthroned forever before God;
    appoint (K)steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over him!

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

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The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

1. Hear my cry, O Lord (1-5)

David was a king. He was a leader of men and a powerful warrior. But he knew that there was a Rock that was higher than he. He called on God for help. He asked to be led to the 'rock that is higher than I.' Truly great men are humble men who call out to God in prayer. David committed his life to God. He was powerful and wealthy, but he valued most the 'heritage of those who feared the Lord.' God establishes the king who fears God and makes vows before him.

2. Protected by God's love and faithfulness (6-8)

God promised to enthrone King David forever. He would fulfill this promise in Jesus, the descendant of David who would reign forever (Lk 1:32,33). Because Jesus our King is enthroned forever, we must praise God and fulfill our vows to him every day.

Prayer: Lord, lead me to the rock that is higher than I. I am weak, but you are strong. Help me to fulfill my vows to you today.

One Word: Jesus is my Rock