God Alone

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Psalm 62

Some of the most cuddly and famous animals in the world are now considered to be endangered species.  The “tri-colored” giant panda native to China has a population of less than 2500 of these precious animals remaining in the wild.  Likewise, fewer than 6,500 snow leopards are known to exist.  And last but not least, fewer than 60,000 Orangutans dwell in the jungles of Borneo and other parts of southeast Asia.

Poaching, deforestation, disease, predators, lack of food and unknown factors all contribute to the decline and extinction of many of the world’s most noteworthy creatures.

But some of these rare and threatened animals are far less known.  Like the endangered Braken Bat Cave Meshweaver which stopped a $15 million-dollar highway construction project in northwestern San Antonio in 2012. The spider which is listed as an endangered species had not been seen for three decades and was thought to be extinct.

And, when we find ourselves discouraged, depressed or threatened we can feel like we are an endangered species as well.  That is the way David felt in the 62^nd Psalm.

David says in the 3^rd verse that his enemies were doing everything in their power to topple him over and destroy him like a broken-down wall or fence.  But, in the face of their hostile attacks, David does not fret himself over them, but rather he trusts in God.

The most profound truth in this Psalm is that while David is in danger, in spite of that danger he exhibits a faith which pulsates with strength, serenity and cool confidence.  The venerable H.C. Leupold wrote:

“There is scarcely another psalm that reveals such an absolute and undisturbed peace, in which confidence in God is so completely unshaken, and in which assurance is so strong that not even one single petition is voiced throughout the psalm.”

1. God, David and the Enemies
   1. God Alone—The unifying theme of this great Psalm is found in verses 1, 2, 5 and 6. “God alone” “He alone” “God alone” “He only”.
   2. Interpretation — David says the focal point of his faith is God alone, and nothing or no one else.  This is a most important truth.  David did not say he trusts God and…David says he trusts God period.  This is what makes David so bold and confident in his faith. 
   3. Illustration — A well-known pastor asserts todays Christians trust in mystical experiences, methods and tools, rather than fully depending upon Christ for direction, help and wholeness.  I have found that Christians in our day are far more apt to trust in worldly resources and mechanisms instead of placing their full dependence in Christ alone.  We are not saying doctors and sciences do not have their proper place, because they most certainly do.  But, we are saying if we call ourselves Christians and believe God created the heavens and earth out of nothing, then why can’t we seem to rely on Jesus Christ for our wholeness?
   4. Illustration cont.  
      1. Question — At this point, someone may say: “well, aren’t we supposed to meet people where they are, and if the people want to be entertained, then don’t you have to provide that in order for them to listen?”
      2. 2-Fold Answer —
         1. Yes, we must begin where people are.  Moreover, people must be trained to listen properly.  Bible teachers must start with the “ABC’s” before we can go on into deeper truths.
         2. THE REAL PROBLEM — Is a crisis of faith, a lack of Biblical understanding.  An unbelief in the power of God’s Word to change the lives of people, so we resort to Christianized “parlor tricks” in order to reach people.
         3. Beware of Pragmatism —
            1. What is it? — Pragmatism is the notion that meaning or worth is determined by practical consequences. It is closely akin to utilitarianism, the belief that usefulness is the standard of what is good. To a pragmatist/utilitarian, if a technique or course of action has the desired effect, it is good. If it doesn’t seem to work, it must be wrong.  Pragmatism as a philosophy was developed and popularized at the end of the last century by philosopher William James, along with such other noted intellectuals as John Dewey…It was James who gave the new philosophy its name and shape. In 1907, he published a collection of lectures entitled Pragmatism: A New Name for Some Old Ways of Thinking, and thus defined a whole new approach to truth and life.  Pragmatism has roots in Darwinism and secular humanism. It is inherently relativistic, rejecting the notion of absolute right and wrong, good and evil, truth and error. Pragmatism ultimately defines truth as that which is useful, meaningful, helpful. Ideas that don’t seem workable or relevant are rejected as false. — John MacArthur
            2. What’s wrong with it? —  Not all pragmatism is bad, after all if your car breaks down, you get it fixed.  If the roof leaks, repair it. But when pragmatism is used to make judgments about right and wrong, or when it becomes a guiding philosophy of life and ministry, it inevitably clashes with Scripture. Spiritual and biblical truth is not determined by testing what “works” and what doesn’t. We know from Scripture, for example, that the gospel often does not produce a positive response (1 Cor. 1:22, 23; 2:14). On the other hand, Satanic lies and deception can be quite effective (Matt. 24:23, 24; 2 Cor. 4:3, 4). Majority reaction is no test of validity (cf. Matt. 7:13, 14), and prosperity is no measure of truthfulness (cf. Job 12:6). Pragmatism as a guiding philosophy of ministry is inherently flawed. — John MacArthur 
   5. Clencher Illustration — Once there was a man who was a rotund old chap and heavy on his feet.  His family took him out for a boat ride on the lake.  As they came back to the dock, the rope which connected the boat to the dock was not tight and slipped loose.  As the big man began to exit the boat with one foot on the dock and the other still in the boat, the small ship began to pull away.  Without stable footing, the big man fell into the lake.  
   6. Application — When we try to put our trust in God and something or someone else we are like the big man falling into the lake because we have one foot on the foundation (dock) and the other foot upon something which is unstable (boat).    
      1. For many of today’s believers Jesus really is not sufficient for all things, regardless of what they may profess publicly.
      2. This is why verse 2 is so important — He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.
2. 2 Lessons About God in Verses 11-12
   1. David says he learned 2 things about God:
      1. God is Strong
      2. God is Loving
   2. Conclusion—We should be rejoicing in God alone like David did because of these 2 great attributes.  If God had power but lacked in mercy, He would not have the heart to save humanity from their sins.  If God had love but no power, while He might desire to save us, He could not.  This is why we need to wait upon God alone, because we know God is able to protect us.  God is an immovable mountain, an impregnable fortress.