Many people feel that these are rather frightening, scary times we live in. Some people might wish they could just hide away from everything. If you did have to genuinely hide from a strong, powerful, dangerous enemy, where would you go? Is there anyone who you could turn to for help in keeping you safe? There were several periods in David’s life where he was hunted like a hunter goes after a deer and he needed a safe and protected shelter. He needed help, and who could he trust to turn to? Psalm 61 gives us his answer.
When we are in trouble we need someone that we can trust who will help us. Many have found out that these trustworthy people are few and far between. So who can we call on? David found that he could trust in the Lord, and so it was He whom he called upon (vs. 1-2). No matter where he was, David knew he could call upon Yahweh, even from the ends of the earth, and He would hear and respond.
When we need to flee from danger, where can we find a safe place? Not every place is safe and secure. David prayed to the Lord that He would lead him to a high rock. The area south and southwest of ancient Israel was a rocky wilderness. These rocks held many places to hide in. David prayed for a rock that was higher than himself. He wanted something higher, bigger, and stronger than himself to trust in. We have that in the Lord Jesus. He is the Rock, the Rock of our salvation (I Corinthians 10:4; Psalm 89:26).
Another place that people, particularly in the past, used to hide in are strong towers. In villages of the past, there were often brick or stone towers where access to higher floors were only obtained by a ladder, often a rope ladder, that was pulled up behind those seeking safety. That way enemies from below could not get up, and they were protected. The Lord Jesus is our strong tower, as well (vs. 3). When we seek spiritual help from Jesus, when we hide our souls in Him, we are safe from the attacks of Satan. When we seek refuge in His protection, Jesus is that tower around us. He is a safe place and a strong fortress where our enemies cannot reach us. We cannot effectively be a safe place for ourselves.
David mentions a third place of safety, however it is not one that we usually think of as a place that we can flee to, and that is shelter under some wings (vs. 4). Have you ever seen an adult bird protect their young under their wings? I know that a mother hen will shelter her chicks under her wings, along with many other birds, including eagles. I have seen this first-hand with Canadian geese which are very familiar throughout Illinois, the state I live in. No one dares bother baby goslings when adult Canadian geese are around, as they ferociously protect their babies. God protects His children just as fiercely. The wings of God Himself are our shield.
In the second half of the psalm, David attests his confidence that God has heard his prayers, and that he can faithfully trust in His promises (vs. 5). He also proclaims that he will faithfully keep his vows to the Lord, and praise Him throughout his life (vs. 8).
As we close, let’s take one more look at Yahweh Misqabbi - the Lord our High Tower. We can run safely to Him when we are overwhelmed by our circumstances. The Lord does more than just provide a hiding place. In the High Tower we are lifted high above the darts of temptations, trials, slander, separation, and sickness. We are hidden in the Name of Yahweh Misqabbi, secure from all harm. There is safety in His presence, and security in His Name!
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