Let Me Dwell in Your Tent Forever – Psalm 61

Poetry is all about metaphors.  There are many in this psalm.  “From the end of the earth,” meaning at the most extreme places of danger.  “When my heart is faint,” meaning when my will is weakened with the danger I face.  “The rock that is higher than I,” meaning a place of utmost safety.  “You have been my refuge, a strong tower,” meaning You, God, have been my utmost safety.  “Let me dwell in your tent,” meaning let me enjoy the protection of your hospitality.  “Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings,” meaning let me find protection like a baby bird under its mother’s wings.  The pictures are powerful.

To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. Of David.

Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint.  Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.

Let me dwell in your tent forever!  Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah   For you, O God, have heard my vows; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.

Prolong the life of the king; may his years endure to all generations!  May he be enthroned forever before God; appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over him!

So will I ever sing praises to your name, as I perform my vows day after day.  (Psalm 61 ESV)

When I am in a tough situation that makes my heart faint, I cry out to God to bring me to a place of safety, to bring me into His protective hospitality and shelter me.  I vow to worship Him for His deliverance and He rewards me with an inheritance that comes only to those who fear Him.  I ask for the preservation of my leadership to whose fate I am inextricably bound, and I fulfill my vow by praising Him day after day.