May 6, 2022 - Psalms 60-63

A series of brief psalms, the 60th beginning: “O God, you have rejected us, broken our defenses; you have been angry; oh, restore us.” (60:1). Not only is David struggling under the discipline of God, but his enemies press hard against him. So many troubles. Hard days. Moments of despair. What does David do? What CAN he do? He cries out to God and trusts in him!

“With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes” (60:12).

“Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy” (61:1-3).

“For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken” (62:1-2).

“O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water” (63:1).

As water to the thirsty,

as beauty to the eyes,

as strength that follows weakness,

as truth instead of lies,

as songtime and springtime

and summertime to be,

so is my Lord,

my living Lord,

so is my Lord to me. –Timothy Dudley-Smith (1975)