Sermon Recap

Just like Monday rolled around again today, Sunday rolled through yesterday like the University of South Florida moving through Gainesville. Here in Crossett, it was time for another sermon. We'll leave the Gators to weep softly on their own...

Stranded!

Doug Hibbard

Psalm 61

 

The Setting

Psalm 61 NET 2nd ed.

For the music director, to be played on a stringed instrument; written by David. 

O God, hear my cry for help. Pay attention to my prayer. 

From the remotest place on earth I call out to you in my despair. Lead me up to a rocky summit where I can be safe. 

Indeed, you are my shelter, a strong tower that protects me from the enemy. 

I will be a permanent guest in your home; I will find shelter in the protection of your wings. (Selah) 

For you, O God, hear my vows; you grant me the reward that belongs to your loyal followers. 

Give the king long life. Make his lifetime span several generations. 

May he reign forever before God. Decree that your loyal love and faithfulness should protect him. 

Then I will sing praises to your name continually, as I fulfill my vows day after day.

The Psalmist

David. And even if it’s not, it’s someone in trouble. Someone who feels distant. Who feels that God has left them alone. They feel lost at the ends of the earth. In fact, this Psalm is where the phrase “The Ends of the Earth” entered English usage—starting with Wycliffe in the Middle Ages. Envision someone feeling that they are so far that they’ll never be found, never even be blundered across.

The Struggle

Psalm 61:1–2 CSB

God, hear my cry; pay attention to my prayer. 

I call to you from the ends of the earth when my heart is without strength. Lead me to a rock that is high above me,

Ever been where you think your prayers aren’t being heard or listened to? Where you are in despair? Be honest, because lying to God doesn’t work and lying to yourself...well, it just makes it worse. No one is strong all the time. If you knew someone that never struggled, then they hid it from you. 

Realize, too, that the solution is to follow the Lord upward, to the rock that He provides. Which is still going to require you climb, but you do not have to find your own way.

The Point

Psalm 61:3–4 CSB

for you have been a refuge for me, a strong tower in the face of the enemy. 

I will dwell in your tent forever and take refuge under the shelter of your wings. Selah

In all those issues, the strong refuge is the Lord. The presence of the Lord. Note the Tabernacle

The Praise

Psalm 61:5–7 CSB

God, you have heard my vows; you have given a heritage to those who fear your name. 

Add days to the king’s life; may his years span many generations. 

May he sit enthroned before God forever. Appoint faithful love and truth to guard him.

The Practice

Psalm 61:8 CSB

Then I will continually sing of your name, fulfilling my vows day by day.

Fulfill

Your

Vow.

What was your vow?

Jesus is Lord  (Romans 10:9–13 “because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and thus has righteousness and with the mouth one confesses and thus has salvation. For the scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between the Jew and the Greek, for the same Lord is Lord of all, who richly blesses all who call on him. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” )

Exported from Logos Bible Study, 3:27 PM September 8, 2025.