Rector’s Reflections
Tuesday 12th March 2024
Psalm 62: A Psalm of Comfort for Times of Stress
I have n’t written on the psalms for some time, and so I thought I would start a fresh series of reflections based on Psalm 62. I wonder if you are familiar with this psalm? It is a great source of comfort, especially during times of stress or anxiety.
I will start with giving the text of the psalm in full, using the translation in the New Revised Standard Version.
The psalm reads as follows:
For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.
He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress, I shall never be shaken.
How long will you assail a person, will you batter your victim, all of you, as you would a leaning wall, a tottering fence?
Their only plan is to bring down a person of prominence. They take pleasure in falsehood; they bless with their mouths, but inwardly curse with their lips.
For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him.
He alone is my rock and salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
On God rests my deliverance and my honour; my mighty rock, my refuge is in God.
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.
Those of low estate are but a breath, those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath.
Put no confidence in extortion, and set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, do not set your heart on them.
Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God, and steadfast love belongs to you, O Lord, For you repay to all according to their work.
We will look in detail at the individual verses in the days ahead.