This is the twelfth in a 14-week devotion series on the theme of resting, originally written for the Bible Society Australia. Join us as we visit texts that remind us of God’s character. As we rest in the truths of who he is, what he has done, what he promises to continue to provide, and the certainty of our hope, we will find rest and strength for our souls.
‘Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.’
Psalm 62:8
Imagine King David – the man who defeated Goliath, a man who is brave and strong, comparing himself to a tottering fence (Ps 62:3). In this moment of vulnerability, he tells his reader that a light touch would bring him toppling down into a heap of rubble. Surely, he could pick himself up and carry on. But no…
David is so steeped in the Scriptures that he is able to speak the truths of God into his soul and reframe how he sees himself and his circumstances. He knows how fragile he truly is, but also knows to whom he can turn for help.
‘Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
My hope comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.’
Psalm 62:5-6
Notice David’s self-talk. No matter how vulnerable or fragile he feels, he tells himself that God is unshakable, solid as a rock, a fortress – strong, mighty, reliable, and dependable. The God who has saved him can be trusted, and he urges all God’s people to trust him ‘at all times.’ No matter what is happening, when it is happening, or where it is happening, God is our safe place. This Psalm counters the message that our wellbeing is tied to our own capacities, gifts, and strength. Thinking that we don’t need help or that we can do it on our own stops us from seeing the hand of God longing to reach out and restore and sustain us. We are safe enough, secure enough to pour out our hearts to Him (v 8). Today, speak these words slowly into your soul, for God is our refuge.
You, my God, are my rock, my fortress, my refuge. Thank you for sending your Son Jesus to rescue me from my helpless state and restore me. Thank you that I can pour out my heart to you, knowing that you are trustworthy, you love me and will help me through today. Pour your Spirit into my heart, so that I can remember that in you I will never be shaken. Amen.
