David had been hunted by soldiers loyal to his own son Absalom who had done everything in his power to destroy his own father. The only reason David survived Absalom’s revolt was by the grace of God.
When Psalm 61 was written, the rebellion is over, Absalom is dead, and David is headed home with sorrow in his heart because the son he loved more than life is gone.
Out of that sorrowful, broken heart comes this sweet, precious Psalm 61 named Sorrows Sweet Song..
Psalm 61:2-3 From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. . . . . [3] For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.
God has given us some encouraging songs, many written through stormy trials. Ira Stanphill wrote the following ones, some after a divest&ting divorce. You may recognize them.
* Follow Me * Happiness is the Lord * He Washed My Eyes with Tears * I Know Who Holds Tomorrow * Mansion Over the Hilltop * Room at the Cross
* Suppertime * Unworthy * We’ll Talk it Over
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“He washed my eyes with tears that I might see, —The broken heart I had was good for me; —He tore it all apart and looked inside, — He found it full of fear and foolish pride. — He swept away the things that made me blind, — And then I saw the clouds were silver lined; — And now I understand 'twas best for me. — He washed my eyes with tears that I might see.
“He washed my eyes with tears that I might see —The glory of Himself revealed to me; — I did not know that He had wounded hands — I saw the blood He spilt upon the sands. — I saw the marks of shame and wept and cried; — He was my substitute, for me He died; — And now I'm glad He came so tenderly; — And washed my eyes with tears that I might see.
Ira Stanphill
Ideas for this unprofitable blog a taken from The Sermon Notebook—Biblical resources for preachers and teachers of the word of God. They allow these sermons to be used as the Lord leads but not for profit.
