Psalm 62 - Finding Rest in God Alone

Message Introduction

Psalm 62 ESV

To the choirmaster: according to Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. 1 For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. 2 He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken. 3 How long will all of you attack a man to batter him, like a leaning wall, a tottering fence? 4 They only plan to thrust him down from his high position. They take pleasure in falsehood. They bless with their mouths, but inwardly they curse. Selah 5 For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. 6 He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. 7 On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. 8 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah 9 Those of low estate are but a breath; those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath. 10 Put no trust in extortion; set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, set not your heart on them. 11 Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God, 12 and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love. For you will render to a man according to his work.

Message Outline

1. Declares his trust in God (Psalm 62:1-2)

2. Confronts to his enemies (Psalm 62:3-4)

3. Preaches to himself (Psalm 62:5-7)

4. Instructs others (Psalm 62:8-10)

5. Talks to God (Psalm 62:11-12)

Message Exposition: Psalm 62:1-12

1. The psalmist declares his trust in God (Psalm 62:1-2)

Psalm 62:1 ESV

1 For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.

Exodus 33:14 ESV

14 And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Matthew 11:28–30 ESV

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

God will give you rest

Psalm 62:2 ESV

2 He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.

Psalms, Volume 2: (Psalms 42–106): An Expositional Commentary God and the Psalmist’s Enemies

I think this is something Christians in our day especially need to learn. As I see it, our problem is not that we do not trust God, at least in some sense. We have to do that to be Christians. To become a Christian you have to trust God in the matter of salvation at least. It is rather that we do not trust God only, meaning that we always want to add in something else to trust as well

2. The psalmist confronts to his enemies (Psalm 62:3-4)

Psalm 62:3 ESV

3 How long will all of you attack a man to batter him, like a leaning wall, a tottering fence?

Psalm 62:4 ESV

4 They only plan to thrust him down from his high position. They take pleasure in falsehood. They bless with their mouths, but inwardly they curse. Selah

3. The psalmist preaches to himself (Psalm 62:5-7)

Psalm 62:5 ESV

5 For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.

Psalm 62:6 ESV

6 He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.

Psalm 62:7 ESV

7 On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God.

“If God is my refuge, what enemy can pursue me? If God is my defense, what temptation shall wound me? If God is my rock, what storm shall shake me? If God is my salvation, what sorrow shall deject me? If God is my glory, what slander shall defame me?"

4. The psalmist instructs others (Psalm 62:8-10)

Psalm 62:8 ESV

8 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah

Proverbs 3:5–6 ESV

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Psalm 62:9 ESV

9 Those of low estate are but a breath; those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath.

Psalm 62:10 ESV

10 Put no trust in extortion; set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, set not your heart on them.

5. The psalmist hears God and reminds himself of God’s character and promises (Psalm 62:11-12)

Psalm 62:11 ESV

11 Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God,

Psalm 62:12 ESV

12 and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love. For you will render to a man according to his work.

The Gospel in Psalm 62

Gospel Transformation Bible: English Standard Version Study Notes for the Psalms

Psalm 62 Salvation comes by trusting God alone. But trusting God alone brings disciples into conflict with a world that trusts itself (vv. 3–4; 1 John 3:1, 13). Ultimately, David’s trust is in a God who alone “is my rock and my salvation” (Ps. 62:6). These words describe the character and heart of God, whose full provision will ultimately be revealed in the coming Savior, who will overcome the world for his people (John 16:33). He will enable believers to overcome the world by providing a more sure foundation and a more enduring hope (Ps. 62:2–6; 1 John 5:5). The world’s focus is to gain power and possessions, which will vanish (Ps. 62:4, 10; James 5:3), but the hope of believers is eternally secure, because their honor and riches are safely stored in heaven (Ps. 62:7; Matt. 6:19–20).

David reasons that if God can be trusted for salvation, then he can be entrusted with everything else, even one’s reputation (Ps. 62:7–9). True faith is not only bolstered by a strong God; it is emboldened by his love. We need not only strength for our wills but fuel for our emotions. God provides both (vv. 11–12; 2 Cor. 1:3–4).

When believers remember God’s steadfast love, they will actually look forward to judgment, because that love has taken their sins away, as the scapegoat symbolized on the Day of Atonement (Ex. 34:6–7; Lev. 16:1–34). On that same day the blood of the other goat symbolized the atoning righteousness to be provided through the final Lamb (1 Pet. 1:19). The believer can look forward to the judgment because it will be the day on which all wrong is put right (Matt. 16:27; Rom. 2:6). In Christ, we have nothing to fear.

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Discussion Questions

What new thoughts have you had since reading and studying Psalm 62 or from Hearing James’ message on the passage?

What verse from this passage will you commit to meditating on and memorizing this week? Write it down. Share it with others.

Bringing It Home

Pondering the Passage:

What is the main point?

Learn

What did I learn?

Where has my thinking, beliefs, and values been challenged in this passage?

Do I find any of the characteristics ways of thinking or behaving of the ungodly in my life?

List and describe those areas in which I struggle.

Love

What does this passage teach me about God?

Has my thinking about God changed?

How have I learned to love God more and others selflessly as a result of this passage?

Have I learned ways that I have acted unlovingly towards others that I must change?

Live

What are the practical steps that I can take to apply to what I have learned in this passage?

Where must I change?

What do I need to repent and confess?

How will pondering and personalizing this passage change how I live my life today and moving forward?

Praying the Passage (ACTS)

What specific things can I pray adoring God because of what I learned in this passage?

What specific things do I need to confess based on what I learned from this passage?

What specific things do I need to thank God for based on what I learned from this passage?

What specific things do I need to request in prayer (supplication) based on what I learned from this passage?