ECE

Psalm 61

Until I read this Psalm out loud to myself, I had passed over the phrase “higher than I” in verse 2. The Psalm’s thought-journey begins with a sense of need. The journey is able to go beyond that beginning because of the acknowledgment of a “rock that is higher than I.” The Psalmist is then able to connect not only with the rock who is the Rock, but with the faith history and community of those others who have turned to him. The combination of trust in God and connection with faith community is combined in verse 5. But there is a third component to the Psalmist’s network of support and strength: the king. The people look to a faithful leader who is himself faithful, and whose role works for the integrity of the life of the people, so they may live and worship as one.

Personal experience of a higher rock, a community memory and celebration (testimony) of his working in the life of people, and a leadership lovingly and personally committed to those two things and to growth in them: this Psalm provides a simple outline of sound Bible-based community and leadership: Experience,
Celebration, Encouragement.

Prayer:
Lord, help me live up to what I call my job on my Facebook profile: Chief Encourager. Through Christ. Amen.