Psalm 68:1-10, 33-36 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 68:1-10, 33-36 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1Let God rise up, let his enemies be scattered; let those who hate him flee before him.
Verse 2As smoke is driven away, so drive them away; as wax melts before the fire, let the wicked perish before God.
Verse 3But let the righteous be joyful; let them exult before God; let them be jubilant with joy.
Verse 4Sing to God, sing praises to his name; lift up a song to him who rides upon the clouds-his name is the Lord- be exultant before him.
Verse 5Father of orphans and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation.
Verse 6God gives the desolate a home to live in; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious live in a parched land.
Verse 7O God, when you went out before your people, when you marched through the wilderness, Selah
Verse 8the earth quaked, the heavens poured down rain at the presence of God, the God of Sinai, at the presence of God, the God of Israel.
Verse 9Rain in abundance, O God, you showered abroad; you restored your heritage when it languished;
Verse 10your flock found a dwelling in it; in your goodness, O God, you provided for the needy.
Verse 33O rider in the heavens, the ancient heavens; listen, he sends out his voice, his mighty voice.
Verse 34Ascribe power to God, whose majesty is over Israel; and whose power is in the skies.
Verse 35Awesome is God in his sanctuary, the God of Israel; he gives power and strength to his people. Blessed be God!
Devotion
They say it's lonely at the top. But it's also lonely at the bottom, or in the middle, when you have no one to care for you. Single people, widows, runaways, college students far from home: many of them miss the friendly camraderie that comes from being in a place where 'everybody knows your name.'
The NIV translates v. 6 as "God sets the lonely in families." God uses us to reach out to people who need to feel as though they belong. God needs you to be his heart and hands and voice in the world.
Might you come across a lonely person today who could use a caring touch, a listening ear, an invitiation to dine? How can you make space in your family -- biological or congregational -- for someone aching for a place to call home?
Prayer
Lord, we all need to be needed, loved, cared for. Put us in a place today where we can reach out to someone who needs to feel your presence most. Give us compassionate hearts and gentle smiles. Help us welcome the lonely into your family with loving, outstretched arms. Amen.