So, You Have a Few Challenges

 

Psalm 62:1-12

Subject: Trusting God

Theme: Place your Trust in God instead of man-made schemes and strategies to have security and protection from threats.

Introduction:

Fear in the form of insecurity can become a vicious circle. If you feel bad about how you look or doubt your value, you may shy away from interpersonal situations or shun experiences that would examine or assess your aptitude, reasoning, and abilities. And in doing so, you cripple or even wreck your potential for effectiveness, victory, and interrelationship.

How else may you be impacted by being insecure? 1) You’ll have difficulty trusting others. 2) You may feel paranoid in many things and worry people are coming over to get you. 3) You may be mistakenly perceived as superior or conceited when trying too hard to cover up your insecurities. 4) You may feel at times like panicking over small issues and exaggerating the problems.

Relevance: This Psalm contrasts the security of trusting God with the insecurity of relying on man-made strategies.  We are often tempted to give in to our fears and insecurities, but the Lord presents Himself as the only viable alternative to the devices that threaten us. Psalm 62 says trust God instead. The Psalm is a healthy reminder for troubled times…when we feel threaten as we live a God-focused life. In Psalm 62, David affirmed that the Eternal God of heaven is the Source of his personal security, therefore David could not be shaken…he was secure! Likewise, God is our Deliverer, our Rock, our Defense, and our Refuge, always trust him.

Message:

I.               God’s Character Invites Our Trust—this is Why we Trust Him.

A.   The Lord is the Source of our Deliverance (v. 1). Why rest in God this way? Why Him?

                                                  1.     Psalm 62:1, says, “from him cometh my salvation.” David is ruthlessly making himself silently wait to overcome his insecurities. By waiting in silence, David is physically placing his confidence in God.

                                                  2.     David is “on purpose” enduring, persevering, and trusting God with absolute certainty that God will answer, and God will come through because it is who God is. We are urged on to quiet victory by trusting God alone.

                                                  3.     This same kind of confidence is also detailed in the Word of God. There are several verses that can encourage us in Him (Ps. 23; 91; 27; 90; 86; 42; 63; 136)

B.   Yet, the Lord is Rejected by Some for Poor Reasons (v. 3 & 4). Remember trusting God is the key! “This psalm reflects David’s confident trust in the Lord in spite of opposition. In silence he waited for God, his Strength and Security, to deliver him from his deceitful enemies.”^[1]

                                                  1.     By those who “imagine mischief” …overthrowing…toppling the perceived vulnerable king.

                                                  2.     By those who will “be slain” because of their weakness and susceptibility.

                                                  3.     By those who come together to Dethrone the King using Lies and Deceit.

i.       They hoped to accomplish this through lies. They blessed David with their words, but in their hearts they cursed him.^[2]

ii.     Let us understand David’s action under the bitter attack of Shimei. While David was on the throne, Shimei bowed like the rest of them; but, when he was free to express his heart of hatred, we find him cursing David and hurling rocks after him as he fled from Jerusalem. David had a loyal captain by the name of Abishai, a son of Zeruiah, who said to the king, “… Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head” (2 Sam. 16:9).

iii.   My friend, if you want an example of what the Scripture means by “… Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Rom. 12:19), listen to David as he replies to his captain: “And the king said … so let him curse, because the Lord hath said unto him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so?” (2 Sam. 16:10). In other words, David tells him “God has permitted him to curse me; you let him curse me.” Have you ever stopped to think, my friend, that God has given you certain enemies for a definite purpose to test you that you might become a better Christian? Do not become alarmed at the presence of enemies and difficulties that God has permitted to cumber your path. He is not bearing hard on you. Would that we would trust God to the extent that we would not cry out at a time like that!^[3]

C.   The Lord is the Focus of our Trust for Many Reasons. These are just some of the incredible ways that God is presented to us. He is portrayed as….

                                                  1.     As the Source of our Salvation (v. 2, 6, 7). What is “salvation” referring to in Psalm 62? David testifies that his trust is only in God; there is no greater source of safety or confidence (Psalm 62:2). The same is true of salvation, which is found only in the Lord (Psalm 3:8; 146:3–5). David anticipates deliverance from his enemies because God is capable.

                                                  2.     As Our Rock (v. 2, 6, 7). By mentioning metaphors such as “rock,” David points to the stability, reliability, strength, impregnability, and solidity of God—the secure foundation.

                                                                                            i.     “That is the central truth of the psalm. That is the central truth of David’s life. That is the dynamo that ran his life. That is the thing that caused him to stand head and shoulders above other men on the horizon of history. It has caused him to cast a long shadow down the corridor of time. “He only is my rock.”^[4]

                                                                                          ii.     David emphasizes the unshakable nature of his deep faith in this unshakable God. He encourages others to make the same choice: trusting the Lord with sincerity (Ps. 62:8). David asserts that he places all trust and faith in the Lord God alone.

                                                  3.     As Our Defense (v. 2, 6). The Lord is like a fortress, and it refers to a secure high place or a safe retreat (See Exo. 15:2; Ps. 89:18; 94:22). We remain or become unshakable when the Lord is our defense.

                                                  4.     As the Foundation of our Expectation or Hope (v. 5). This refers to the Lord’s anticipated outcomes. He is the bases and reason for hopeful results. We can anticipate good outcomes when God is our expectation.

                                                  5.     As Our Glory (v. 7). 156 times this Hebrew word is translated “glory.” It often refers to God’s abundance, dignity, honor, wealth, and reputation that he shares with those who call upon him in trust (v. 8). Our ‘honor’ depends on God’s ability to render the enemy ineffective (v. 6).

                                                  6.     As Our Refuge (v. 7, 8). God is our stronghold and shelter during the storms, dangers, and challenges. We can find safety and security in Him; run to him even now!  

                                                  7.     As the Source of Power (v. 11). God is the source of our political, social, and personal strength or ability. “Power belongeth unto God”

                                                  8.     As the Fountain of Mercy (v. 12). Refers to the goodness, kindness, and faithfulness of God.

II.           Things We Tend to Trust Instead of God. There are six other objects in which people often trust, but such trust is sure to be disappointed.

A.   People. “Surely men of low degree are vanity” (v. 9).

                                                  1.     “Men of low degree,” or common people, those who adopt a mob or herd mentality, subjects of groupthink… they are fickle, given to changing, and capricious! They are as substantial and transitory as a vapor. “Vanity” refers to a lack of significance or the fleeting nature of life (Ps. 39:4-6).

                                                  2.     “The psalmist warned that it is foolish to trust in humans. He described how transitory life is, whether a person is of low or high position. People are nothing but a breath (heḇel, “a vapor”; cf. 39:5, 11; 144:4 and comments on Ecc. 1:2). They are so insignificant that, if weighed, the scales would not even move. Their might is powerless against God. Therefore one should not trust in the powerful advances of the wicked.”^[5]

B.   Leaders. “Men of high degree are a lie,” (v. 9).

                                                  1.     These “men of high degree” are rulers or wealthy people…they are prominent in society…some are distinguished and famous…well known stand outs…they enjoy positions, power, and influence!

                                                  2.     These are also a delusion in that they seem to offer help and security, but they are not dependable. Put the rabble or the elite in the scales and they are weightless as far as trustworthiness is concerned.

                                                  3.     “And this is the first thing that a new Christian must learn—not to look to men but to God. Many new Christians have become discouraged, disappointed, and disillusioned, for they have their eyes set upon a man. A young Christian told me recently that he had gotten his eyes on a man, and it had all but made shipwreck of his faith. David knew all of the time that he could not trust men, so his faith was fixed utterly upon God. He rested upon a Rock that could not be moved.”^[6]

C.   Abuses. “Trust not in oppression” (v. 10).

                                                  1.     Oppression is riches obtained by persecution, fraud, and violence…cruel and unfair treatment…prolonged unfair control…a corrupt exercise of power and authority. This is a foolish method to depend on; “it reeks with God’s curse.” (Based on W. McDonald)

                                                  2.     “Oppression is what happens when people grow their own sense of power, comfort, and security at the expense of others. It's the use of violence, coercion, and corruption that makes life easier for some and harder for others. And it's one of the main problems addressed in the Bible, from beginning to end.” (From Youtube.com)

D.   Stealing. “And become not vain in robbery,”

                                                  1.     This is cheating others, charging exorbitant taxes, unashamed swindling, or over charging.

                                                  2.     Robbery might seem to be a quick route to power and wealth, but ill-gotten gain is doomed to the judgment of God.

E.   Money. “If riches increase, set not your heart upon them.”

                                                  1.     “Riches are not to be trusted either (cf. Prov. 11:28; 23:5; 27:24).”^[7]

                                                  2.     Not only are oppression and robbery, which are wicked means of wealth, no grounds of boasting; but even wealth, increasing lawfully, ought not to engross the heart.^[8]

                                                  3.     “…make not the wealth of the world your chief good and highest end: in short, do not make an idol of it.” This we are most in danger of doing when riches increase.”^[9]

F.    Hard Work. Even riches gained through honest industry should never take the Lord’s place in our affections and service. (From W. McDonald)

                                                  1.     Being persistent, dedicated, resilient, and diligent are all desirable traits, but we cannot afford to be independent of God. Hardworking involves constantly, regularly, or habitually engaging in earnest and energetic work… it is being industrious, and diligent. We need more of this, but not at the expense of trusting God.

                                                  2.     F. B. Meyer wrote: “How often have we looked for help from men and money in vain—but God has never failed us.”^[10]

III.        The Results of Placing Our Trust in God. What are the results of placing your confidence and trust in God? These ideas have been developed already to a large degree, so I will reserve my comments in this light. These are the results of trusting the Lord:

A.   We Shall Not be Greatly Moved (v. 2).

B.   We will have Boldness to Rebuke our Enemies (v. 3).

C.   We can see Through our Enemies’ Strategies (v. 4).

D.   We Shall Not Be Moved (v. 6). Life becomes stable and solid to the trusting saint!

E.   We will want Others to know the Joy of Trusting God (v. 8).

                                                  1.     Trust God Always and in Every Situation.

                                                  2.     Pour out your Heart in Prayer to Him with Confidence.

                                                  3.     Regard Him as our Refuge—the place we run to for shelter and safety.

                                                  4.     Come to Him boldly, persistently, and honestly; you can rely on God to meet your need.  

Conclusion:

As we end this thought, we are often tempted to give in to our fears and insecurities resorting to people, leaders, abuses, money, stealing, and even hard work. However, and repeatedly the Lord presents Himself as the only viable alternative to our reservations. Whether insecurities related to physical appearance, spiritual growth, relationships, financial stability, or even professional skills, Psalm 62 says trust God instead.

·       So, bring whatever insecurities surrounding your appearance to the Lord….

·       Bring whatever needs you have for growth in the Lord, whether patience, kindness, selflessness, love, servanthood….

·       Bring your inability to communicate, your shunning people while preferring social media, your awkwardness that drives you to your cell phone instead of towards people….

·       Bring your inabilities, inadequacies, limitations, flaws, needs, and perceived defects and trust the Lord Jesus with them all.  

Through these thoughts, David asserts to us that the Eternal God of heaven is the Source of his personal security, therefore David could not be shaken!  His life became stable, secure, full of assurance, and conviction…secure. Where there was fear, it is replaced by God’s love, where there were worries, they were replaced with Christ-centered affirmations, and where there were anxieties, they are replaced with God’s control. Uncertainties and insecurities have evaporated in the brilliant light of our great Creator, Ruler, and Judge—Elohim! Certainly, there are struggles to overcome and perspectives to embrace, but trusting God should be at the top of our lists. Dear, believer in Jesus Christ, trust Him alone. Find rest in our powerful God instead of human devices.

Finally, one more truth about trust should be observed. One evidence that we all have sinned is the fact that we die physically. This NO ONE can deny. Physical death is also indicative of a pervasive human condition of spiritual separation from God (Rom. 5:12). Eternal death is suffering forever in the Lake of Fire (Rom. 6:23).

God promises to save all who will acknowledge their sins to Him while trusting Jesus Christ as their Savior (Rom. 3:21-26). You see, sin is defined as violations of God’s Laws (Rom. 3:9, 19, 20, 27-31). It is against God that we have sinned. We have put idols before the true and living God. We are guilty of taking God’s Name in vain. We have not honored our parents fully and always. We have not treated people with real love and respect exclusively. We do not measure up to the perfections of God’s standard of morality, the Law. We NEED His forgiveness...He offers us sinners forgiveness not condemnation. With this being the case...condemnation is something you chose by refusing Christ (John 3:15-21).

We are all guilty of transgressing God’s Law. We all have gone beyond the limitations established by God in the Bible, and we must now be punished for our awful sin. We are all facing the death penalty. The only hope is God’s forgiveness made available to each of us through faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Beloved, it was Jesus who died for our sins, was buried because he actually died to satisfy the death penalty against sin. He also rose again the third day exactly as he repeatedly stated he would (1 Cor. 15:1-4). Yes, the Lord Jesus Christ conquered death, hell, sin, and Satan through his cross and resurrection (Luke 24:44-49). He is alive to save you if you turn to him confessing your sin and receiving his sacrifice for you (Rom. 10:8-17). He saved me and he can save you too. Trust the living Lord Jesus as Savior to be forgiven as God promised. 

Jesus is not motivated to condemn us, but to help us see our incredible NEED for God’s forgiveness. Please do not place your trust in a church, a membership, a denominational affiliation, a ritual or ceremony, a work of service, yourself, or a religious creed. These methods will only fail…. Trust Jesus, the Savior now.

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^[1] Allen P. Ross, “Psalms,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 839.

^[2] Allen P. Ross, “Psalms,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 839.

^[3] J. Vernon McGee, Thru the Bible Commentary, electronic ed., vol. 2 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1997), 778.

^[4] J. Vernon McGee, Thru the Bible Commentary, electronic ed., vol. 2 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1997), 779.

^[5] Allen P. Ross, “Psalms,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 839.

^[6] J. Vernon McGee, Thru the Bible Commentary, electronic ed., vol. 2 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1997), 779.

^[7] Allen P. Ross, “Psalms,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 839.

^[8] Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset, and David Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, vol. 1 (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997), 365.

^[9] Matthew Henry, Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: Complete and Unabridged in One Volume (Peabody: Hendrickson, 1994), 831.

^[10] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 643.