When You Need a Better View

Psalm 61 has become one of my favorites. The Psalmist begins by asking the Lord to hear him, to listen. We know our Good Father listens to our prayers, whether they are prayers of gratitude or cries for help. The Psalmist states that he is crying out from the ends of the earth, conveying his feelings of distance and discouragement. The Psalmist notices and names his feelings, but he doesn’t stop there. He presses in with a request.

Lead me to the rock that is higher than I is his plea. What a perfect petition. He acknowledges his faint heart, his discouragement, and feelings of disorientation and asks for God to come and lead him to Himself. David knows who God is, but he takes the time to remind himself.

David calls God a Rock, meaning He is unmovable and enduring. He is constant and unchangeable in a world that is constantly changing.  He is a refuge where people can find safety and shelter. He is solid and dependable, a place where you can stand without fear of it collapsing. A perfect place to go when your own heart is weak or faint.

David also knows that God is higher than he is. Scripture tells us that God sits enthroned above the circle of the earth. (Isaiah 40:22) When you are disoriented, it is beneficial to have a connection to the highest person, the one who has the best view and can see it all. David acknowledges that his view is limited, so he asks to be brought near to the One who sees and knows it all from now and throughout all of eternity.

David also knows that He is a God who will rescue his children when they cry out to Him. And David remembers how God has met him in the past as a refuge and safe haven in times of trouble. Then he asks to be kept near God by being in God’s tent and under God’s wing. 

As my heart experiences more ups and downs than kids on a seesaw, I can relate to the feelings of a faint heart. Sudden fear, eyes off the Rock and onto the impossibility of a good outcome, leaves me faint-hearted and discouraged. But then, remembering David’s request, I pray it too.

Father lead me to you, my Rock. You are perfect in wisdom and understanding.  

Lately, the answer has come in the form of

• Reminders of Scripture- “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

• Invitations to repent of my trying harder, blaming others, and justifying my worrying

• Reminders of who God is- Good, Sovereign, the One who is in control of all

• Waking up filled with gratitude and staying that way all day

• Good gospel conversation with a new friend who is Buddhist and genuinely seeking

As my heart starts to plummet and grow faint, His nearness is my greatest good. He gently whispers the truth to be believed, reminding me of Who He is —a Rock, a haven, and an eternally trustworthy one.