Psalm 61

The Four "I Wills"

In David's communion with God, he intends to take four steps, purely as an act of his will. Let us make the same our heart's determination as we journey through this psalm.

1. ...from the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed (v 2): There may be great distance between him and God - as far as the North end of the earth is from the South - but David will not stop calling out to the Lord. When our Lord Jesus Christ hung upon the cross, under the horrific weight of our sin, He cried out to God, despite knowing that God turned His back on the sin Jesus carried (Matthew 27:46).
   
   No matter how long the answer to your prayer takes, keep calling upon God. It takes determination to carry on knocking on a steadfastly closed door, so be resolute. The more overwhelming your trials are, the more familiar heaven should be with your voice.
   
   
2. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever (v 4a): Our problems must draw us closer to God's presence. We must not, when we have financial troubles, choose that time to stop serving Him. Our marital difficulties should not give us reason to abandon the house of the Lord, and problems with other Christians cannot justify us leaving church altogether.
   
   God resides in every Christian's heart, but it is up to you and me to cultivate that awareness of His presence. Problems can amplify themselves so much in our lives that God's presence is marginalised and we find ourselves bowing down before the altar of our troubles. We cannot replace prayer with busyness. Do not move house, change location, or take your prayers and service elsewhere. Instead:
   
   
3. I will trust in the covert of thy wings (v 4b): Or, as another psalmist put it: My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. (Ps 121:2)
   
   God knows where, when and how your situation will be resolved, and His solution to your problem will far exceed anything you may come up with. Don't let the enemy's whisperings convince you that God isn't thinking of you. You are not an invisible speck to His all-seeing eye. Trust that He will move you closer to Him as you seek His face, and that He will deliver you from trouble, and subdue the enemy on your behalf.
   
   
4. So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows. (v 8): In light of the above, David's final decision is to praise God. He knows where his confidence lies, and regardless of the time or outcome of his present circumstances, he will be a Praiser.
   
   Exchange the garment of sorrow for rejoicing as you wait on God. Know that He is: Worthy of your praise and adoration; greater than any situation you may face; full of might and power; able to part the Red Sea before you, and full of grace and glory.
   
   Even if you never receive one more blessing from God all your life, He still deserves your praise - for He created you for His own pleasure (Revelation 4:11).
   

Let David's "I will's" be your determination today.

Psalm 61 Full Reading