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Psalms 61:1-8

The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 61:1-8

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

The power of prayer in trouble.

"My cry." Every one has his own needs. Think how it is this day. In how many lands, by what various voices, with what manifold emotions, the cries of men are uttered! What sighs of pain, what plaints of desire, what passionate prayers for help, go up to heaven! Who but God could "attend" to them all? Moses groaned under "the burden of all the people" (). Paul was oppressed with "the care of all the Churches" (). But increase the "burden," and multiply the "cares" ten thousand times, and what is it all compared with what falls upon God? What mind but the eternal mind of God could attend to all? What love but the infinite and unchanging love of God would not grow weary by the continual comings and the countless importunities of such multitudes of suppliants? But God bends his ear to all. Not one, not the humblest or the poorest, is neglected. Wherever we are, however great and sore may be our troubles, though weak and sinful and unworthy of the least of God's mercies, yet if we call upon him he will hear us; if we commit our cause to him, he will bring us deliverance. The psalm illustrates the power of prayer in trouble.

I. PRAYER SPRINGING FROM FAITH IN GOD. Like an exile, we may be far off from friends, solitary and sad. But God is always near. Though all help from man should fail, God is with us to deliver us. The enemy may be coming in like a flood. There may seem to be no way to escape. But God will, when we cry to him, stretch forth his mighty arm from above, and lead us to "the Rock" where we shall find safety and peace.

II. PRAYER SUSTAINED BY THE MEMORY OF PAST MERCIES. (.) We trust our friends. The remembrance of their kindness in the past emboldens us to confide in them for the future. How much more should we trust in God! "Thou hast been a Shelter for me" is a strong plea. Our past life is not lost. It is gone, but it has left its lessons and its memories. Looking back, we can see the hand of God. Our memories may be turned to hopes. Our remembrance of God's gracious dealings may be converted into inspiration and guidance for the future.

III. PRAYER RISING TO THE HEIGHTS OF ASSURANCE. (, .) When we are sincere in our prayers, we feel that we have not only pledged ourselves to God, but that God has pledged himself to us. He will not only give us "the heritage" of his people, but the "life" that will enable us to enjoy it. His white-robed angels of "mercy and truth" will go with us and preserve us, and we shall "abide before God forever."

IV. PRAYER CULMINATING IN JOYFUL CONSECRATION TO GOD. (.) Prayer ends in praise. True praise is not in words only, but in the free and joyous devotion of cur lives. Religion will be a daily duty. Our service here will be a preparation for our service hereafter—forever and ever.—W.F.

HOMILIES BY C. SHORT

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Matthew Henry on Psalms 61:1-4Psalms 61:1-4 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryDavid begins with prayers and tears, but ends with praise. Thus the soul, being lifted up to God, returns to the enjoyment of itself. Wherever we are, we have liberty to draw near to God, and may find a way open to the…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 61:1-4Psalms 61:1-4 · The Pulpit CommentaryA cry from the wilderness. I. THE HEART BECOMES "FAINT" WHEN IT IS CONSCIOUS OF BEING FAR FROM GOD. (Psalms 61:1.) II. WHEN THUS OVERWHELMED (OR FAINT), OUR DIFFICULTIES ARE TOO GREAT FOR US. (Psalms 61:2.) III. WE ARE…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 61:1-8Psalms 61:1-8 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION This short psalm is one of much beauty, and was sung daily at Matins in the earliest ages of the Church. It is, however, somewhat obscure, especially in its later portion, where a king is spoken of (Psalms 61…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 61:1Psalms 61:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryHear my cry, O God (see the comment on Psalms 17:1). The word rinnah expresses a shrill, piercing cry, but one which may be of joy or of lamentation. Attend unto my prayer; i.e. "hear and answer it."
commentaryMatthew Henry on Psalms 61:1-4David begins with prayers and tears, but ends with praise. Thus the soul, being lifted up to God, returns to the enjoyment of itself. Wherever we are, we have liberty to draw near to God, and may find a way open to the…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 61:1Hear my cry, O God (see the comment on Psalms 17:1). The word rinnah expresses a shrill, piercing cry, but one which may be of joy or of lamentation. Attend unto my prayer; i.e. "hear and answer it."Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 61:1-4A cry from the wilderness. I. THE HEART BECOMES "FAINT" WHEN IT IS CONSCIOUS OF BEING FAR FROM GOD. (Psalms 61:1.) II. WHEN THUS OVERWHELMED (OR FAINT), OUR DIFFICULTIES ARE TOO GREAT FOR US. (Psalms 61:2.) III. WE ARE…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 61:1-8EXPOSITION This short psalm is one of much beauty, and was sung daily at Matins in the earliest ages of the Church. It is, however, somewhat obscure, especially in its later portion, where a king is spoken of (Psalms 61…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 61:2From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee. Eastern hyperbole may call the Trans-Jordanic territory "the end of the earth," but certainly the expression would be more natural in the mouth of an exile in Assyria, Med…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 61:3For thou hast been a Shelter for me. In the past thou hast often been my "Shelter" or my "Refuge" (comp. Psalms 18:2; Psalms 44:7, Psalms 44:11; Psalms 48:3, etc.); be so once more. And a strong Tower. A migdal—a fortre…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 61:4I will abide in thy tabernacle forever. As the psalmist is in exile, at "the end of the earth" (Psalms 61:2), the literal "tabernacle" cannot be intended. A spiritual abiding in the heavenly dwelling, whereof the tabern…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryMatthew Henry on Psalms 61:5-8There is a people in the world that fear God's name. There is a heritage peculiar to that people; present comforts in the soul, earnests of future bliss. Those that fear God have enough in him, and must not complain. We…Matthew Henry