Psalm 62
Resting in God's Rock-Solid Faithfulness
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Intro
In Psalm 62, the psalmist expresses their unwavering trust in God's faithfulness and sovereignty. As we study this psalm from a New Covenant perspective, we will see how it points to Jesus Christ as the ultimate foundation of our trust and the source of our salvation. We will explore the themes of finding rest in God, recognizing His power and steadfast love, and committing our lives to Him.
Section 1: Finding Rest in God (vs 1-2)
"Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken."
Talking Points:
The psalmist's declaration of finding true rest in God alone.
The recognition that salvation comes from God and He is the unshakable rock and fortress.
The affirmation of unwavering trust in God's ability to provide security and deliverance.
Harmony: Matthew 11:28 (NIV), "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
Questions:
How does the psalmist's assertion of finding rest in God challenge you to rely on Him for true peace and security?
In what ways can we find rest in God amidst the challenges and uncertainties of life?
How does Jesus, as the one who invites us to come to Him and find rest, enable us to experience true rest and peace in our souls?
Section 2: Recognizing God's Power and Steadfast Love (vs 3-8)
"How long will you assault me? Would all of you throw me down—this leaning wall, this tottering fence? Surely they intend to topple me from my lofty place; they take delight in lies. With their mouths they bless, but in their hearts they curse. Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge."
Talking Points:
The psalmist's awareness of being attacked and threatened by enemies.
The discernment of their deceitful intentions and the contrast between their words and their hearts.
The reinforcement of finding rest in God, reaffirming trust in His power and making Him the ultimate refuge.
Harmony: Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV), "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Questions:
How does the psalmist's recognition of God's power and steadfast love challenge you to trust in Him even when faced with opposition or deceit?
In what ways can we cultivate a heart of trust in God and submit to His guidance in every aspect of our lives?
How does Jesus, as the one who conquered sin and death, assure us of God's power to deliver and protect us in every situation?
Section 3: Committing Our Lives to God (vs 9-12)
"Surely the lowborn are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie. If weighed on a balance, they are nothing; together they are only a breath. Do not trust in extortion or put vain hope in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them. One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: 'Power belongs to you, God, and with you, Lord, is unfailing love'; and, 'You reward everyone according to what they have done.'"
Talking Points:
The psalmist's perspective on the fleeting nature of human accomplishments and earthly wealth.
The admonition against trusting in ill-gotten gains and putting hope in material possessions.
The affirmation of God's power and unfailing love, and the understanding that He rewards everyone according to their deeds.
Harmony: Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV), "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Questions:
How does the psalmist's perspective on earthly possessions and achievements challenge you to prioritize eternal values and trust in God's provision?
In what ways can we guard against placing our trust and hope in material wealth or worldly success?
How does Jesus, as the one who taught us to store up treasures in heaven and seek first the kingdom of God, guide us in committing our lives fully to God and trusting in His provision?
Summary
Psalm 62, depicts the psalmist's trust in God alone for salvation and deliverance, finding its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus.
The psalmist's proclamation of finding rest and salvation in God alone prefigures Jesus as the source of our true rest and the only way to reconciliation with God.
Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.”
John 14:6 - Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.
The psalmist's description of God as his rock and salvation aligns with Jesus being the cornerstone and the Savior of all who believe in Him.
1 Peter 2:6-7 - Because it is contained in Scripture, “Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, chosen, and precious: He who believes in him will not be disappointed.” For you who believe therefore is the honor, but for those who are disobedient, “The stone which the builders rejected, has become the chief cornerstone,”
Acts 4:12 - There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved!”
The psalmist's warning against putting trust in worldly wealth and power echoes Jesus' teachings on the fleeting nature of material possessions and the primacy of seeking God's kingdom.
Matthew 6:19-21 - “Don’t lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume, and where thieves don’t break through and steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:33 - But seek first God’s Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.
The psalmist's emphasis on God's steadfast love and righteousness anticipates Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross, where God's justice and love were fully displayed.
Romans 5:8 - But God commends his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
2 Corinthians 5:21 - For him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf; so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
The psalmist's call to trust in God at all times points to our constant reliance on Jesus as our Shepherd and Guide.
John 10:27-28 - My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give eternal life to them. They will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.
Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Psalm 62 leads us to Jesus as our firm foundation, our Savior, and the object of our unwavering trust, inviting us to find security and peace in Him alone, even amidst life's uncertainties.