Rest in God Alone

Psalm 62

"My soul finds rest in God alone;
my salvation comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken." Psalm 62:1-2

The process of aging shakes a person up. Slowly and over time everything is challenged. First we notice that our sight and hearing are not what they once were. We need the bifocals and hearing aids. Shortly thereafter, we notice our peers are being hit with illness and disease at an alarming rate and some of them die an "untimely" death. "Who would have thought they would be gone so soon?" They leave holes where their friendships have been. We too soon find that no matter how well we have taken care of ourselves, we begin to disintegrate. It's time for the replacements and implants--knees, hips, shoulders, lenses, and valves. Our stamina and endurance go. We feel pain in our joints and our muscles scream after over-exertion. We block in time for the afternoon nap. Perhaps what concerns us most is our mental decline. We forget familiar names, the perfect word, and scheduled appointments (What day of the week is it?) It takes so much longer to learn something new. We begin to lose our hold on a culture that is zooming forward at breakneck speed. We had thought we we well financed only to have the economy take a downward turn. We long to be close to our grandchildren, but they speak a language that has no meaning to us--"twitter," "IPod," and "rad." We become strangers in a world that we once owned. While some of these things may be delayed by a disciplined diet and exercise program along with preventative health measures, eventually most of us will encounter at least some breakdown. David refers to himself as a "leaning wall, a tottering fence," and we can identify with him.

But David is wise enough to know that he needs a refuge higher and other than himself. If we are depending on our own strength, wisdom and endurance we will be in a sorry state. "My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.". . . "Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him for God is our refuge. . . . Though your riches increase do not set your heart on them. . . . One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving."

When everything around us is shaken we too can depend on two things. God is strong. He is more than able to be our rock and shield, to protect us and be with us throughout whatever assails us. And two, God is loving. He is not distant or uncaring. "Cast all your anxiety on him for he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7) He longs to shelter us under his wings and love us through the transition from this kingdom to the next. We too, can rest in him alone and not be shaken.