Psalm 61 Devotional

When the Heart Grows Faint

“From the ends of the earth I call out to You whenever my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”Psalm 61:2 (BSB)

Psalm 61 is a prayer from a great distance. David calls to God from far off whenever his heart grows faint, and asks to be led to a rock higher than himself (61:2). He does not ask for strength to get there; he asks to be led. He has reason to hope, because God has already been his refuge and a strong tower against the enemy (61:3).

His longing goes beyond escape. He wants to live in God's tent forever and take shelter under his wings (61:4). God has heard his vows and given him the inheritance of those who fear his name (61:5). Then the prayer widens to the king, asking that he reign for generations, guarded by God's loving devotion and faithfulness (61:6-7). Christians hear that prayer answered most fully in Jesus, the King whose reign does not end. The psalm ends with vows kept day by day (61:8). When your heart is faint and the rock seems out of reach, you can ask God to lead you there.

To think about: Where does your heart feel faint right now, and what would it mean to ask God to lead you rather than to climb on your own?