Dr. Pothana's Teaching

1. Dr. Pothana
Psalm 61

3. Psalm 61: This psalm would have fit many occasions in David’s life when he was distraught
from fighting his numerous enemies.
He offers his petition (verses 1-2),
expresses his trust (verses 3-5),
prays for prolongation of his kingship (verses 6-7), and
offers a vow of thanksgiving to be delivered when God answers (verse 8).

4. Psalm 61:1–8

7. Psalm 61:1,2….
“(v.1) Hear my cry, O God;
listen to my prayer.
(v.2) From the ends of the earth
I call to you, I call as my heart
grows faint; lead me to the
rock that is higher than I.”

8. David FEELS that God is
a million miles away.
means “to shroud,”
“clothed in darkness.”
(overwhelmed)

9. We are imperfect people in an
imperfect world
BUT praise God
we serve a PERFECT GOD!
In times of discouragement, we
must learn to turn to Him.
RESPECT HIS POSITION!

10. Isaiah 25:1….
“LORD, you are my God;
I will exalt you and praise
your name, for in perfect
faithfulness you have done
marvelous things, things
planned long ago.”

11. David goes on to say….
“Lead me to the rock
that is higher than I.”
(Psalm 61:2b; NIV)

13. Psalm 61:3,4….
“(v.3) For you have been my
refuge, a strong tower
against the foe. (v.4) I long
to dwell in your tent forever
and take refuge in the
shelter of your wings.”

14. David speaks of this
“PROTECTION”
in 3 tenses….

15. “For you have been
my refuge
[a shelter for me],
a strong tower
against the foe [enemy].”
Psalm 61:3,

17. Psalm 57:1….
“Have mercy on me, O God,
have mercy on me, for in you
my soul takes refuge.
I will take refuge in the
shadow of your wings until
the disaster has passed.”

18. Just think back to the horrors
of your past. Look to all of the
times that God has
PROTECTED you from harm.

19. “I long to dwell in your
tent forever and take
refuge in the shelter
of your wings.”
(Psalm 61:4;)

20. “I long to dwell [abide]
in your tent forever.”
David refers to himself
as an everlasting guest
in the tent of the Lord.

21. The word “wings” is mentioned in
connection with the protection of
God.

22. Romans 8:15….
“For you did not receive
a spirit that makes you
a slave again to fear,
but you received the Spirit
of sonship. And by him
we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’”

24. “ (v.5) For you have heard my
vows, O God; you have given me
the heritage of those who fear
your name. (v.6) Increase the days
of the king’s life, his years for
many generations. (v.7) May he be
enthroned in God’s presence
forever; appoint your love and
faithfulness to protect him.”
Psalm 61:5-7….

25. In times of
David praised the Lord for
His blessings on his life
and the lives
of the people of Israel.

26. Carried t hro t he t rials of fait h!

27. Praising in difficult times
is not always easy
BUT if we want to overcome
discouragement,
it is a requirement.

28. Our problem is that
we (many Christians)
DON’T EVEN praise God
in the good times.
You don’t know what
you’ve got TILL IT’S GONE!

29. We take for granted
the uncounted blessings
of life UNTIL they are
removed from us?
Is it for ….
or

30. “Then will I ever sing praise
to your name and fulfill my
vows day after day.”
Psalm 61:8….

31. How could David do
this in a time of

32. It’s by….
The Lord’s Position
In The Lord’s Protection
The Lord’s Provision
Let’s pray!