The Cry for Protection and the Promise of Praise

Psalm 61

[1] Hear my cry, O God,
listen to my prayer;
[2] 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,
[3] for you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the enemy.

[4] Let me dwell in your tent forever!
Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah
[5] For you, O God, have heard my vows;
you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.

[6] Prolong the life of the king;
may his years endure to all generations!
[7] May he be enthroned forever before God;
appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over him!

[8] So will I ever sing praises to your name,
as I perform my vows day after day.

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  What situation does David find himself in as he cries out to God in this Psalm?
2.  When you find yourself in similar times of trouble, loneliness, suffering, etc. like David, what are your instincts? Do you cry out to God as the rock?
3.  What does it mean to cry out to God in directions outward, forward, and upward? How is this evident in David’s prayer?
4.  What does it mean that David prays not just for himself as king, but for the kingship? How does this show that his focus is rooted in God’s promises?
5.  As David reminds God of his covenant promises to him, how does this point the reader to the fulfillment of those promises in Christ?
6.  Personally, how can your faithful endurance through trials bring God praise?

References:  Psalm 18:2; Proverbs 18:10; Exodus 33:7-11; 2 Samuel 7; Isaiah 7:14, 9:1-7; Luke 1:30-33; Hebrews 1:1-4; Ephesians 2:11-13