Joel M Bradshaw

1Hear my cry, O God,
listen to my prayer;
2from the end of the earth I call to you
when my heart is faint.
Lead me to the rock
that is higher than I,
3for you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the enemy.–Psalm 61

Here is another psalm where David was overwhelmed. And in his depression, anxiety and fear he called out to God for help. David pointed out two things about God in these verses. I’ll take them in reverse order.

1. GOD WAS HIS REFUGE. A refuge is a place to go when you are desperate and in need of protection. David saw God that way. Theirs was a relationship that provided for the deepest possible needs. If David had that kind of relationship with another person, it would be weird and probably inappropriate. People aren’t meant to address the deepest needs. But God is. David regularly turned to the one who could actually help.
2. GOD WAS HIS TOWER. Towers in the ancient world allowed defenders to be elevated above the advancing enemy. They were natural places from which to shoot arrows or hurl projectiles in the defense of a city. A strong tower would have been a major part of any fortified city. With that elevation a defender could also see distances and perceive movements of forces. You recognize ancient castles by their towers.

So now David asked God to lead him to a rock that was higher than where he was currently. It pictured David as scaling an impossible mountain face and unable to get to a higher location on his own. He required the leadership of his faithful God to guide him and get him to that better vantage point. He needed to get higher up, but was unable to do so on his own. He therefore asked God to lead him.

In the midst of your journey, turn to God as your refuge and depend upon him to provide for your greatest needs. Maintain the perspective that the safety of a tall tower can provide. God is faithful to provide and thus look to see him at work in your life. As you encounter impossible situations in life, ask God to lead you higher up. He is your rescue, your perspective, your hope. He is also the leader that you follow.–JMB