There’s an old Chinese saying: “靠山山会倒，靠人人会跑” (which literally means lean on the mountain, and it may crumble; rely on people, and they may run). It’s a saying that reminds us of something we often learn the hard way: even the strongest-looking things can let us down. Yet, if we’re honest, many of us still find ourselves placing our hopes in things and people. We rely on relationships, networks, reputation, or close companions we think we can count on. But people, no matter how sincere, are still only human. We are all broken in some way. Psalm 62 invites us to take a deeper look at what or who are really trusting in.

Sometimes, people who seem warm and kind on the surface, but behind the friendly front, there was deception and curses. David puts it plainly in Psalm 62:4: “With their mouths they bless, but in their hearts they curse.” There is a gap between what we see on the surface and what lies underneath.

Even the most reliable people and the most secure plans are limited. David says it so vividly in verses 9: “Lowborn men are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie; if weighed on a balance, they are nothing; together they are only a breath.” In other words, no matter how powerful or important someone seems, even when we put all of humanity together, it still does not add up to something we can build our lives upon. At the end of the day, everyone faces the same limits: we’re mortal. We struggle. We fall short.

David warns us not to put our confidence in cruel or dishonest ways, like extortion or manipulation. These methods may seem to get things done quickly or get us ahead in life, but they come at a cost. Eventually, those paths lead to destruction, not peace.

He also cautions us not to place our hope in wealth. Yes, money can do many things, and the world often tells us it’s the key to freedom and happiness. But deep down, we know it’s not enough. Riches are unstable because they can vanish. And even when we have plenty, money can’t heal a wounded heart, restore a broken relationship, or bring peace to an anxious soul. As David says in verse 10: “Though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.”

So who can we turn to? Who can truly carry the weight of our hope? David gives us a beautiful, clear answer: God alone.

“For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.” (Psalm 62:1)

David calls Yahweh his rock, salvation, and fortress. These are words of safety, of strength, of peace. Even when everything else shakes up, God does not. God isn’t just a backup plan when all else fails, He’s the THE solid foundation.

This does not mean life will always be easy. David knew hardship and he faced betrayal, danger, loneliness, and fear. But in the middle of all that, he could still say, “I will not be shaken.” Why? Because his soul was resting in God.

This rest isn’t passive. It’s an active kind of trust—a choice to stop running to things that can’t hold us and instead pour out our hearts to the One who can. “Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.” (Psalm 62:8)

God is not only strong, He is safe. He welcomes us to come as we are, with every burden, every fear, every secret, and every disappointment. His love is steady. His power is sure. And He never runs. David ends the psalm with a gentle, powerful reminder in verse 11 and 12:

“One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: Power belongs to you, God, and with you, Lord, is unfailing love.”

That’s the heart of our hope: God is strong enough to help us, and loving enough to want to. And that’s all we need.

Dear brothers and sisters, where are you placing your trust in people, systems, or wealth, hoping they’ll hold you up? Where in your life have you felt the weight of disappointment or uncertainty? What would it look like for you to quietly rest in God today? You don’t have to carry it all. You can rest. You can trust. He is your rock and your refuge, now and always!

Prayer:

Dear Lord, You alone are my rock, my salvation, and my refuge. Forgive me for the times I’ve trusted in people, wealth, or my own strength more than in You. Teach my heart to rest in You alone. Help me to pour out my heart before You and to trust You at all times. Thank You that Your power is perfect and Your love never fails. In Jesus’ name, Amen.