Psalm 61:1-3
“Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you—I call when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe!”
In whatever situation we are, we shall find both consolation in the promises, and direction in the examples, that are recorded for our use in the Sacred Writings. But in seasons of affliction principally, will the holy Oracles be found precious, because they exhibit to us God’s dearest children in similar circumstances, and point out to us the means which they, in their troubles, found effectual for their relief.
In recommending the example of David, we shall,
I. Mention some seasons wherein our hearts are apt to be overwhelmed.
This poor world is a valley of tears to all; but to some more especially:
1. From temporal calamities.
Bodily pains, loss of friends, failures, will weigh down the spirits even of the best, 2 Samuel 18:33.” And though, at times, religion will enable them to triumph in the midst of all their tribulations—yet its more common operation is:
to moderate their grief,
to produce resignation in their souls, and
to sanctify the affliction to their spiritual advancement.
2. From spiritual troubles.
The first convictions of penitents are often accompanied with the deepest anguish; insomuch that, if God did not support them by a hope of his mercy—then they might, like Judas, destroy themselves in utter despair. Their subsequent views also of their indwelling corruptions are frequently attended with such dejection, as quite to enervate the body and overwhelm the soul! Isaiah 35:3-4. Romans 7:24. If to these are added the hidings of God’s face, the soul may have a foretaste even of Hell itself in the miseries that it endures! Psalm 77:2-9.
3. From the near prospect of death.
To a true believer enjoying the divine presence, death has no terrors, Philippians 1:21; Philippians 1:23; it is a welcome messenger, that cannot come too soon. But to one in spiritual darkness and desertion, death is inexpressibly dreadful; and the whole world would appear but a small price to pay for the respite of a few days.
The ungodly often die as insensible of eternal realities as the beasts! But the godly, who know the terrors of the Lord, cannot pass through that dreary valley without extreme horror, unless they have an inward witness of their acceptance with God, Psalm 55:4-5.
The example in the text may serve as a model, while we endeavor to,
II. Show how we should conduct ourselves in those seasons when our hearts are apt to be overwhelmed.
1. To speak generally, we should betake ourselves to prayer.
God is the only source of true strength and consolation. If we apply to the creature in our distress, we shall invariably find him but a broken reed! Hosea 5:14. Isaiah 31:3. On the contrary, the pressure that is on our minds will, for the most part, increase; or, if the trouble is removed, the removal will prove a heavier judgment than its continuance.
But if we apply with humility to the throne of grace, the desired effect will almost instantly appear, Isaiah 65:24. There is no trouble from which prayer has not extricated believers!
Prayer prolonged the life of Hezekiah, 2 Kings 20:1-6.
Prayer brought Jonah from the bottom of the sea, Jonah 2:1-7.
Prayer restored to peace the tempest-tossed soul of David, Psalm 116:3-8.
For us also, if it is fervent, prayer shall effectually prevail, James 5:16.
There is no disquietude which prayer shall not pacify.
There is no sorrow which prayer shall not turn into songs of joy! Psalm 50:15.
Wherever we are therefore, even “at the very ends of the earth,” and however circumstanced—we should make our requests known unto God, in order to the attainment of solid peace, Philippians 4:6-7.
2. More particularly, we should beg of God to lead us to the Savior.
David, though a king, had no sufficiency in himself; he was forced to look to one higher than himself, even to Jesus, the Rock of his salvation! Psalm 89:19. But how should he come to Jesus, unless the Father should draw him? John 6:44. Hence he prayed so fervently, that God would “lead” him to that Rock.
There then must we also go; for there alone can we find stability.
Does guilt appall us? Nothing but the blood of Jesus can compose our minds! Acts 16:29-31.
Do temptations harass us? Nothing but his grace can enable us to withstand them! 2 Corinthians 12:9.
Do accumulated troubles threaten to overwhelm us? We can both do and suffer all things, if he strengthens us—yes, we shall be more than conquerors through him who loved us! Romans 8:37. Like a shipwrecked mariner standing on a rock, we may defy the waves that roar beneath our feet. Such was the experience of David himself Psalm 40:1-3,” and such shall be ours also, if the storms that threaten us drive us for security to that place of safety.
Let us then, in every affliction, look to Jesus as our help; and, with a deep impression of our inability to go to him aright, let us cry unto God, “Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I!”
ADDRESS.
1. Those who experience no overwhelming troubles.
However serene the sky at present is, no man knows how soon a storm may arise. But supposing our voyage through life is ever so favorable, it must come to an end; and what shall we do in the hour of death without a saving interest in Christ? Above all, what must become of us, if we are not fixed upon that Rock at the day of judgment?
Let us then improve our tranquil hours in securing a saving foundation on Christ Jesus; that, however suddenly calamities may come, or death may summon us into the presence of our God, we may be found standing immovably on the Rock of ages! Then, like Noah, shall we rejoice in God’s favor, when thoughtless myriads shall be overwhelmed in the deluge of his wrath!
2. Those who are bowed down under trouble.
You are but too apt to carry your distresses to men, instead of spreading them before God. What wonder then, that you find no deliverance? Has not David told you, that this was his very experience; and that nothing but the use of this remedy afforded him relief? Psalm 32:3-5.
Chide then, and resist, your backwardness to prayer. Lay the blame, not on God, who is willing to impart help, but on yourselves, who are unwilling to implore it. Your troubles are sent on purpose to drive you to the Savior, whom, in a time of prosperity, you are too prone to neglect! If they produce that effect, you shall soon number your trials among your richest blessings!
Charles Simeon