When I am aware of my emotion and am able to express it, my prayers take on greater impact. I have found the writers of the Psalms to be helpful in expressing my feelings to God. They give me permission. I might even say that they evoke my emotions through the artistic elements of poetry.

These faithful worshipers reveal their fears and doubts, their triumphs and tragedies, and their joys as well as their hopes. I appreciate how they use word pictures to articulate a mood and, even better, make God’s character more accessible.

I have long meditated on the defined traits God used to reveal Himself to Moses (Exodus 34:6-7). The Psalms enlighten my understanding of God a bit further by describing His attributes and actions in word pictures. I am not always aware of the Psalmist’s circumstances, but I can often identify with feelings expressed through the picturesque choice of terms.

Our CBC Staff meets weekly to discuss life and ministry. We start by reading God’s Word followed by a time of prayer. This week, Pastor Adam read Psalm 61 to us. This psalm is one of my favorites because of the manner in which David expresses his situation and cries out to God. I believe there are times when I can identify with his feelings. I have found that this Psalm brings great comfort in the hospital and in the home. I pray through it often with people who are hurting.

Join me as I meditate on Psalm 61:1-4. Let the word pictures draw you into a greater love of God and desire to express yourself to Him.

Hear my cry, O God; give heed to my prayer.
Psalm 61:1

When I read David’s words, I sense an urgency to his situation. He feels inadequate and pleads with God to listen carefully and act in response to his prayer. I have been in situations financially, relationally, and in my roles as husband, father, and pastor where I long for God to hear me and act quickly.

From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Psalm 61:2

David is overwhelmed, exhausted, stressed. He is distant from God. Is it because of his choices or simply a geographical distance from the tabernacle? Using the image of a rock, or mountain, David stresses the desire for safety and security. Despite being an avid outdoorsman, he cannot reach the top himself. He seeks God’s help. How often have I called out for guidance and strength?

For You have been a refuge for me, A tower of strength against the enemy.
Psalm 61:3

Crying out to God has made God the focus of David’s attention. He remembers God’s faithfulness throughout his life. God HAS been a safe place offering comfort. David draws relief from God’s proven protection.

Let me dwell in Your tent forever; let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. Selah.
Psalm 61:4

Danger, stress, and exhaustion drive us to God, longing for His presence. David wants to take up residence there. Life’s circumstances cause us to draw near.

We do not have to hustle to the tabernacle. Our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. Jesus has promised to be present, powerful, and available to us. He will not leave us or forsake us. We simply need to turn our attention to Him.

I encourage you to be aware of your circumstances and the feelings they evoke in you. Instead of growing more weary, anxious, or fearful, let those feelings lead you to draw closer to Jesus.

You might think of your own word pictures to express yourself to God. You might use David’s words in Psalm 61 to express your own feelings. Whatever you do, let God stir your emotions, clarify your thoughts, and lead you to dwell in His presence.

Love and blessings,
Dave