30 Days in the PsalmsSýnishorn

Day #10: Psalm 62

In Psalm 62, we hear David’s voice again, lifting up prayer in a dark season of his life. He describes his feelings and circumstances in verses 3 and 4, crying out that he feels assaulted and battered by unrelenting attacks by his adversaries. The ongoing offenses seem to be a kind of “smear campaign,” lies about him spread by people who smile to his face and curse him behind his back.

On either side of this description of the situation, we find the refrain that centers David’s prayer: “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 never be shaken” (vv. 1–2, NRSV). This is David’s starting point, to which he returns after describing the problem: “For God alone my soul waits in silence; for my hope is from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken” (vv. 5–6). Two elements of this centering prayer are particularly notable. First, his soul “waits in silence.” He is committed to long-haul prayer—waiting that involves as much listening (silence) as speaking. Second, four times he repeats the phrase “God alone” or “he alone.” David is fixing his eyes exclusively on the Lord as the source of his rescue, protection, and vindication. He’s not looking for “backers” or “fans” to counter the wave of false witness, because he knows that both his deliverance and his honor rest firmly in God’s hands (v. 7).

Then David turns and invites his people to join him in this praying: “Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us” (v. 8). This kind of praying, this sustained waiting in the presence of the Lord, this kind of eyes-on-the-Lord focus is what will keep them from being swayed by the empty promises of wealth and fame (vv. 9–10). David then offers a reminder to the people: “Power belongs to God,” but concludes by addressing God directly: “Steadfast love belongs to you, O Lord” (vv. 11–12).

If you find yourself in a season of feeling battered by verbal assaults of overt adversaries or the sly innuendo of so-called friends, today is a good day to take it to the Lord in prayer! Wait in silence before him, for he alone is your rock and your salvation, your fortress.