This week’s daily readings:

This week’s devotional:

A Different Kind of Rock Music

by Sue Hersey

Scripture:

Hear my cry, O God;
    listen to my prayer.
From the ends of the earth I call to you,
    I call as my heart grows faint;
    lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

— Psalm 61:1-2 (NIV)

Reflection:

We are told at the very beginning of Psalm 61 that it was written by David for the director of music, to be played with stringed instruments. Many of David’s psalms also tell us what particular trial he was going through at the time he wrote them. Not this one, though. It merely says, “From the ends of the earth.” Yet, when we read about David in 1 and 2 Samuel, it’s never said that he travelled much farther than the Promised Land. Why would he claim to be at “the ends of the earth?” Perhaps we can surmise that, when David wrote this psalm, he was at the end of his rope—the end of his own human understanding and strength? Knowing the many struggles that he endured, this seems to be a more likely explanation.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been there before. About mid-way through my life, I went through some crises that I was simply unable to overcome on my own. Despite growing up in the church, I had drifted away from God in early adulthood and now found myself at a point where I had no hope, no desire to go on living, and sincerely wished for my life to end. Yet something drove me to cry out to God and, quite miraculously, he brought me back from the edge.

So, what does this particular psalm teach us about how to approach God for help when we know we can’t save ourselves? First of all (looking at verse 1), you should remember that God is the one and only power that can save you. God wants us to run to him for help because he loves us! We don’t really even need to ask him to listen because he is always ready to listen and always able to step in on our behalf, if that is his will.

In verse 2, David admits that he’s in such distress that his heart is growing faint. He’s finally ready to admit that he needs God to save him. Sadly, this is often the point when we give up hope. We only turn to our Savior as a last resort. Please know that it doesn’t have to go that far. Remember: God is not only as steady as a rock, but he is also high above us—he is higher in power and able to see into the future where he has already worked things out for our good (imagine that)!

If there is one thing we can take away from this lesson, it is that God will save us even if we do wait and go to him as a last resort. Instead, wouldn’t it be wiser if we look to him for direction along the way? Maybe, from the shelter of God’s wings, we won’t ever find ourselves at “the ends of the earth” and in distress!

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we look to you today for your divine guidance on this road called life. Remind us that you love us, that you have a plan for us that is good, and that we can always take refuge in you when we come to the end of our own power. Jesus, you are a strong and mighty rock, higher and wiser than we are, and seated at the right hand of the Father. Send your Holy Spirit to shelter us from life’s hurts and give us wisdom and comfort to carry on during trials. Hear our prayer, O Lord: this song of praise we sing to you, our rock and our refuge! Amen

Week 10: March 8-14, 2026 - A Different Kind of Rock Music

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