Only, Only, Only
“Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.”
— Psalm 62:1-2 (NIV)
In Hebrew one short word keeps returning in this psalm: ak, meaning only or surely. David uses it six times in eleven verses. He was under pressure from people working against him, and he kept repeating the same thing under his breath. It reads like a man steadying himself by saying it again, not like a man who already feels calm.
God is not a last resort after the other supports fail. David went to Him first and said the same thing six times, because once was not enough. He did not feel calm while he was writing it. He kept saying it until he believed it, and you are allowed to do the same.
Say the Small Word
- 1Sit for two minutes repeating slowly: 'Only God. He is my rock.' When your mind wanders, begin again without scolding yourself.
God, be my rock tonight, because I have been everyone else's.
I do not have to feel anything to rest today.
What is the repeated word in Psalm 62?
The Hebrew ak, meaning only or surely. David uses it six times, steadying himself by saying the same thing again and again.
Was David calm when he wrote this?
No. People were plotting against him. The rest he describes is chosen inside the pressure, not felt after it lifted.
What does it mean that God is a fortress?
A fortress does not remove the danger outside. It gives you somewhere to stand while the danger is still there.