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Psalm 61:7b "Oh, prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him!"

Day 226 – Psalm 61

“Oh, prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him!” Psalm 61:7b

PRESERVATION OF LIFE

On what basis would God prolong a person’s life? David’s contemplation led him to write the following thoughts.

“He shall abide before God forever.
Oh, prepare mercy and truth which may preserve him!”
Psalm 61:7

1. “He shall abide… forever”

a) There is a gentle hint of eternal life in this text.

b) The word “forever” cannot apply to life on earth.

2. “He shall abide before God”

a) The blessing of a long life on earth is also in mind.

b) The immediate context would suggest this strongly.

c) However the length of life is closely associated with God.

d) Life was meant to be lived “before God”.

3. “Oh, prepare mercy”

a) If life is prolonged then it must be attributed to God’s mercy.

b) David pleads for God’s mercy to be extended to him.

4. “And truth”

a) This is a reference to God’s word (better… “God’s will”).

b) The prayer for a long life must be submitted to the Lord and be in accordance to His will.

c) The part of the petitioner is to seek to live in accordance to God’s truth.

5. “Which may preserve him”

a) David was not presumptuous when he made this prayer.

b) He could only pray humbly that God would preserve him.