Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1In you, O Lord, I seek refuge; do not let me ever be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me.
Verse 2Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily. Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me.
Verse 3You are indeed my rock and my fortress; for your name's sake lead me and guide me,
Verse 4take me out of the net that is hidden for me, for you are my refuge.
Verse 5Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.
Verse 15My times are in your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors.
Verse 16Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your steadfast love.
Devotion
Like yesterday, this lesson is about stones. Today’s stones—or rather, rocks—are not for killing, but for protection, and for refuge. “In you, O Lord, I seek refuge (v. 1)…Be a rock of refuge for me (v.2)…You are indeed my rock and my fortress (v. 3)…”
Ever since 9/11 we have thought a lot about security. American bombs can penetrate deep layers of rock. Does the rock-image still convey security? Yes—especially when we mean a person who is steadfast, reliable, trustworthy—as good as her or his word. “My times are in your hand (v.15)…” That’s the point! The steadfastness of God is so rock-like that we can be assured that nothing “will separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Ro. 8:39) We can trust in the steadfast, rock-like love of God because we have God’s very own Word on it, and that Word is incarnate in Jesus.
Prayer
O God, you have revealed in this psalm that there is no place in the world in which to hide and to be totally safe from the dangers in the world. You have revealed in this psalm that our faith in you is secure, our hope in you is safe, and our love for you is grounded in your steadfast love for all creation, manifest beyond measure in Jesus. Amen.