The Daily Office for September 18, 2012
Scripture Readings
Old Testament
Psalm
New Testament
Gospel
Reflection
The theme of Psalm 62 is David's calm assurance in God in the midst of crisis. This psalm was probably written at the time of Absalom’s rebellion. Addressed "To the chief musician," it is dedicated to Jeduthun. We have encountered this man before (Psalm 39) and will do so again (Psalms 77 and 89). A distinctive feature of Psalm 62 is the repeated use (six times) of the word "only." The psalm, 12 verses in length, is equally divided into three segments by the word Selah (verses 4 and 8).
As the Psalm opens David affirms that God alone is our salvation. To wait upon God is the habitual practice of faith. No language of praise is nearly as meaningful to God as the patient silence of those who wait upon Him. For David, God is his rock, his salvation, and his defense, The second segment begins almost identically as the first: it is only from God that David can expect salvation. The psalmist addresses God as "my rock" and "my fortress." These are personal references to the character of God. Notice how the psalmist's confidence grows. The more he contrasts God with those who would do him harm, the more David sees the absolute strength of his position in God. In light of this, David’s advice to all of us is to trust in God at all times.
Collect for the Day
God, who in generous mercy sent the Holy Spirit upon your Church in the burning fire of your love: grant that your people may be fervent in the fellowship of the gospel that, always abiding in you, they may be found steadfast in faith and active in service; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.