What does it mean to ″rest in God″? ″Rest″ usually stands in opposition to work. It's doing nothing instead of doing something. It's finding a quiet place for a much-needed sleep. Psalm 62 tells us to ″rest in God″ (vv. 1, 5). While we are to cease from striving in our own strength, resting in God isn't about taking things easy. True spiritual resting is purposeful and active.

Once again, it is the assaults of his enemies that leads David to turn to God and express his fears and hope through the words of a song. David's cry to God, ″How long″ (v. 3), suggests he has been suffering for a while and sees no end in sight. His suffering is taking its toll on him. He likens himself to a ″leaning wall″ and a ″tottering fence″. Once David felt strong and stood straight, but now the winds of constant opposition have bent and weakened him.

David turns to God, his only fortress and rock (vv. 5-7). There's no point in looking to other people for rescue. All people are nothing but puffs of air, as light as a human breath. They may appear strong and reliable but this appearance is deceptive (v. 9). Of course, the Lord uses people to support and encourage us in times of trouble, but David reminds us that in all difficulties, God should be the first person we go to for help, compassion, and comfort.

Having spoken to God, David now speaks to the congregation. He calls on them to also trust in God (v. 8). Trusting God expresses itself in living a life that pleases Him. David warns against accumulating wealth, especially wealth gained illegally (v. 10). Jesus also warned us not to set our hearts on riches (Matthew 6:20-21). Instead, we should ″seek first his kingdom and his righteousness″ (v. 33), trusting God to provide for us as we serve Him. That's resting in God.

In the final verses, David sums up all he's been saying with two principles. First, remember that God is both powerful and loving (Psalm 62:11-12). Therefore, in any and every situation we can turn to Him for help. The second principle is that God will judge every person for how they have lived (v. 12). If we have trusted and obeyed God like David, we can take comfort in knowing that God will finally punish those who have oppressed His people and lived corrupt lives.

The power and love that God has shown us is ultimately expressed in the gift of His Son, who has rescued us and given us rest. Jesus invites, ″Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest″ (Matthew 11:28). And Jesus says He is coming again. We have the certainty and comfort of a coming day of judgment. These are two great truths we can build our lives upon.