Psalm 62:5-6, “For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence. For my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. ESV.
What causes you to have anxiety? We’ve all been there throughout our lifetime, and I believe that it is the most common struggle suffered. Is it your schedule of things you are responsible for getting done by a certain time frame? Is it physical stress on your body, or is it more emotional stress – or maybe both? Have you ever had someone tell lies about you and were jealous of your role? David wrote Psalm 62 when his son Absalom was throwing a rebellion against David. He had political strategy to steal the hearts of the people against David as king. 2 Samuel 15:13-14 states, “A messenger soon arrived in Jerusalem to tell David, “All Israel has joined Absalom in a conspiracy against you!” “Then we must flee at once, or it will be too late!” David urged his men. “Hurry! If we get out of the city before Absalom arrives, both we and the city of Jerusalem will be spared from disaster.” I would say David had reason to be anxious for his life and the safety of the city’s innocent inhabitants, wouldn’t you?
David spoke to God about all the emotions he felt in this threatening situation, and it was with his own son. The band of men, along with Absalom, told lies against David, and all of them were trying to kill David. But David reaffirmed his faith in God. Prayer can release our emotional tension in anxious moments. What if, instead of running to a family member or best friend, we did what David did in Psalm 62 – waited quietly before God, prayed, and believed victory would come from God (Ps. 62:1)? David’s hope was from God, and his strong God-based foundation was built solidly upon his trust, faith, assurance, and hope in God. He called God “my fortress; I shall not be shaken.”
We say we know God is in control, but do we live it during those excruciating emotions when we are stressed out physically and emotionally? I fail at this so many times. David further declared in Psalm 62:7, “My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.” David gave gratitude and praise to God for protecting him, answering his prayer, even though it was painful to lose his son Absalom.
So, you have another new problem? Read Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.” This reminds you that God’s presence is a steady source of comfort, helping you feel supported when facing challenges.
What has caused you anxiety this week? Have your next step be Psalm 37:7a, NLT: “Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act.” Don’t be shaken. God is in control; He is omnipresent, which means He is everywhere, and He is with you right now and loves you completely. We cannot control other people’s thoughts, desires, words, choices, actions, and responses in the outcomes of any situation. But we can control our thoughts, desires, words, choices, actions, and responses in our emotions. So, give it to God. Wait for Him to answer you. You can trust Him. Remember, when we attempt to control what is God’s responsibility, it will result in anxiety, frustration, and disappointment. Pray Psalm 62:5-6 out loud. Let that quiet your anxious heart as you read that passage and others in the book of Psalms, as David became one of the greatest hymn writers in writing out prayers to God. God used music in David’s life as he sang to God often. God knows the answer. Be encouraged. Have hope. Be an encourager.
Listen to Cece Winans – Come Jesus Come (Official Video)