Psalms

Psalms 62: God alone is our sure refuge

Begin in prayer

Before we hear David call his soul to rest, let us consider where our own hearts seek safety. Pray for hearts that rest in Christ and pour their troubles before God, whose power and loving kindness never fail.

Therefore turn to your God. Keep kindness and justice, and wait continually for your God.

Hosea 12:6

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word, and help us to see Christ. Show us that God alone is the refuge who can save, and He will judge every person's work. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

David confesses that his soul rests in God alone, the rock from whom his salvation comes. Attackers try to throw him down from his place, blessing outwardly while cursing within. He speaks to his own soul again, commanding it to wait in silence for the God who is his hope and refuge. He then urges the people to trust God at all times and pour out their hearts before Him. Human rank weighs less than a breath, and neither oppression nor growing riches should become an object of trust. David ends with God's sure word that power and loving kindness belong to Him, the Lord who rewards every person according to his work.

As you read Psalms 62, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

God alone gives salvation and refuge, for power and loving kindness belong to Him who judges every person.

The repeated word alone makes God the whole resting place of David's soul under attack. Rock and fortress picture security while his enemies treat him like a leaning wall they can push down. Their blessings disguise inward curses, so pleasant speech gives him no safe place to rest. He therefore tells his soul to wait silently for God, whose salvation and honour are more secure than his public position. The call to pour out the heart shows that resting silence can include honest prayer. People of high and low rank rise in the scales as lighter than breath, unable to bear the weight of saving trust. Oppression and robbery offer false gain, while even honestly increasing riches must be kept from ruling the heart. God's word settles where real power belongs, joined with the loving kindness that makes Him a faithful refuge. His repayment of each person's work also makes that same Lord the Judge before whom every life must stand.

How does Psalm 62 show us that God alone gives salvation and refuge, for power and loving kindness belong to Him who judges every person?

God alone gives the salvation on which His people rest.

David's attackers plan his fall while speaking outward blessing. He tells his soul again to rest in the God who is his rock. His hope and honour depend on the refuge the Lord Himself provides.

God's power and loving kindness call for undivided trust.

David invites the people to pour out their hearts before God. Human rank, stolen gain and increasing riches cannot become their refuge. Power and loving kindness belong to the Lord who will repay each person according to his work.

Memorise

Trust in him at all times, you people. Pour out your heart before him. God is a refuge for us.

Psalm 62:8

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, what other refuge am I keeping beside the Lord Jesus?

David confesses, “My salvation is from him.” His enemies' smiles hide curses, and people and money cannot carry the weight of his trust. He rests his soul in God alone and invites the people to pour out their hearts.

Our hearts have trusted other refuges and our lives must answer before God's judgment. Jesus bore the punishment His people deserved and died for them, giving the salvation they could never earn. He was raised from death. His saving work is enough, so His people are forgiven and rest on the God who alone gives salvation.

Turn from sin and put your faith in Jesus. The sure refuge found in Christ includes forgiveness for everyone who depends on Him. Tell Him where your heart rests when you are afraid of losing honour, money or safety. His power and loving kindness give those trusting Christ a sure refuge where they can pour out every trouble.

Parent's note

Tell your children that God alone is the refuge who can save, and He will judge every person's work. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God that His power and loving kindness make Him a sure refuge for His people. Bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

We have come to believe and know that you are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

John 6:69

Lord, power and loving kindness belong to You. Please turn our hearts from false refuges and bring us to trust Jesus for the salvation His finished work provides. Keep us from trusting rank, dishonest gain or growing riches. Teach Your people to pour out their hearts before You and rest in Your care at all times. Amen.