Psalm 34:15-22 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 34:15-22 on biblegateway.com
Verse 15The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry.
Verse 16The face of the Lord is against evildoers, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.
Verse 17When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles.
Verse 18The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit.
Verse 19Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord rescues them from them all.
Verse 20He keeps all their bones; not one of them will be broken.
Verse 21Evil brings death to the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.
Verse 22The Lord redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.
Devotion
“None of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.” Psalm 34:22
It is estimated that there are 14-19.5 million refugees in the world today. Defined by Webster, a refugee is one who flees to escape danger or persecution from a country or power. Refugee status can be imposed by something as forlorn as belonging to a particular ethnic group, or it can be the result of things that deserve punishment.
The words from the poem by Emma Lazarus come to mind. “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” I memorized these words in elementary school. Then I liked the rhythm of the words; now I like the invitation to me. Then I wasn’t aware of belonging to a world of refugees; now I see pictures, and even find myself huddling in times of personal tribulation.
The invitation of God to take refuge in him is an offering for those who are traveling. What a great way to travel!
Prayer
God of all mercy and consolation, we give you thanks for your promise to receive us into your loving embrace. Grant us your protection in times of difficulty, forgiveness for our transgressions, and a shelter to find refuge. Amen.