Salvation and Glory (Psalm 62)

For God alone my soul waits in silence;
from him comes my salvation.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken (Psalm 62:1 & 2).

Psalm 62 continues the rock imagery of Psalm 61, expanding the metaphor to encompass salvation as well as safety.

After the initial confession of God as the believer's rock and salvation, the Psalmist writes of enemies who "attack a man to batter him, like a leaning wall, like a tottering fence" (3). These enemies plot to undermine another's position. They "take pleasure in falsehood" and deceit, outwardly blessing while inwardly cursing (4).

The Psalmist repeats his refrain of waiting on God, who is our only rock and salvation, adding "On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God" (7).

When it seems that others are being successful in attempts to undermine us, we can calmly wait on God. Our salvation and glory do not rest on our works or reputation; our salvation and glory rest on God.

Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us (8).

Because our salvation and glory rest on God, we can trust in him "at all times." We can "pour out" our hearts in prayer to him, knowing that he is our refuge.

The next verses show that one's position in life doesn't really matter. Those of "low estate are but a breath; those of high estate are a delusion." When they are weighted together in the balance, they are "lighter than a breath" (9). In God's great scheme, both rich and poor, high and low, are inconsequential. The Psalmist urges the reader not to trust in ungodly gain or set "your heart" on riches (10).

He concludes with this confession:

Once God has spoken;
twice I have heard this:
that power belongs to God,
and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love.
For you will render to a man
according to his work (11 & 12).

God revealed to the Psalmist that power belongs only to him. But it is not only power that belongs to God, it is also steadfast love. God is powerful and loving. There is no limit to either of these attributes. Neither his power or his love will ever falter.

He will "render to a man according to his work," but God does not save man according to his work. Our good works cannot earn our salvation, but our gratitude for salvation necessitates good works.

We must work for the Lord, not in anxious fear about our salvation, but in humble gratitude for our eternal security.