“THE PSALMIST’S STEADFAST TRUST IN THE LORD IN THE MIDST OF OPPOSITION” PSALM 62:1-12

What a potent and powerful psalm we have in Psalm 62. David, an astute statesman and powerful King of Israel, is going through an awful crisis in his life. David, the valiant King of Israel, was forced to leave Jerusalem in shame because of the mighty rebellion of his beloved son, Absalom. To gain a description of the humiliation of this mighty King of Jerusalem, read II Samuel, chapter 15 with particular interest in verse 30 that reads, “And David went up by the ascent of

Mount Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went bare foot: and all the people that was with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up.”

What a tragic and dramatic moment in the life of David. Along with being forced out of Jerusalem, David was advised that his trusted counselor, Ahithophel, had joined forces with Absalom. As David was exiting Jerusalem, barefooted and weeping, Shimei, a loyalist of King Saul, hurled stones and ‘cursings’ upon David.

During a period of extreme trouble, David reveals to us how to overcome the storms and stresses of life. Instead of displaying bitterness against his rivals, David exhibits tremendous trust and confidence in God, the only source of strength and security! David is truly testifying that one can rely upon God in a time of tremendous stress and strain. In verses 1-2, David’s soul found complete solace in God alone, for God alone was his Rock, salvation and fortress, “Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.” Because the Lord was David’s Rock, salvation and fortress, David had a firm trust in God, despite opposition.

As believers, when going through the dark corridors of distress, let us remember that the presence of God is with us, for Psalm 46:1-3 states, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.” In a time of trouble, we can count on God to be right there with us, giving us the grace to withstand our test. When that test is over, we will have a vibrant testimony! In each test of life, we are learning to lean on the supreme sufficiency of the Rock, Jesus Christ! By God’s grace, He will bring you through the test. Keep trusting in Jehovah, the fire quencher and storm regulator!

Amazed at the destructive actions of his enemies, David continued to trust in the Lord, his source of security (vv. 3-4). He asked the question “How long will ye imagine mischief against a man?” Confident of the Lord’s complete deliverance, David exhorts other saints to place their trust in the Lord (vv. 5-8). He testifies that, “In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in Him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before Him: God is a refuge for us” (vv. 7-8).

David declares that both man and riches are not to be trusted in verses 9-10. Verse 10 admonishes us, “Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.” Because God exercises both power and mercy, in verses 11-12 David confidently rested in the fact that God will exercise justice aright as he states “Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work” (v. 12).

May God Bless!