When I Am Overwhelmed

Psalm 61:1-4

INTRODUCTION: The word overwhelmed means turned upside down or overthrown. To whelm something means to submerge it completely. The idea is that the troubles of life overflow the heart and throw everything out of whack. David seemed to have a good number of times like that in life.

I. MAN’S NEED IN THE PAST (Psalm 61:3)

A. A Shelter

1. It could have been from outside threats.
2. It could have been from consequences brought about by his own sins.

B. A Strong Tower

1. Depending on the timing, it could have been that this strong tower was protection from his family.
2. Regardless, it was protection from an enemy.

II. MAN’S NEED IN THE PRESENT (Psalm 61:1-2)

A. His Cry (Psalm 61:1; see Psalm 102:1-28)

1. Hear my cry
2. Attend unto my prayer

B. His Heart (Psalm 61:2)

1. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee
2. When my heart is overwhelmed

C. His Hope (Psalm 61:2)

1. Lead me
2. To the rock
3. That is higher than I

III. MAN’S NEED IN THE FUTURE (Psalm 61:4)

A. Abiding

1. In the tabernacle
2. For ever

B. Trusting

1. In the covert
2. Of thy wings

CONCLUSION: The overwhelmed soul needs something higher than itself. It needs a place of refuge from which it can be kept safe from those things which overwhelmed it in the first place.