Psalm 41 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 41 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1Happy are those who consider the poor; the Lord delivers them in the day of trouble.
Verse 2The Lord protects them and keeps them alive; they are called happy in the land. You do not give them up to the will of their enemies.
Verse 3The Lord sustains them on their sickbed; in their illness you heal all their infirmities.
Verse 4As for me, I said, "O Lord, be gracious to me; heal me, for I have sinned against you."
Verse 5My enemies wonder in malice when I will die, and my name perish.
Verse 6And when they come to see me, they utter empty words, while their hearts gather mischief; when they go out, they tell it abroad.
Verse 7All who hate me whisper together about me; they imagine the worst for me.
Verse 8They think that a deadly thing has fastened on me, that I will not rise again from where I lie.
Verse 9Even my bosom friend in whom I trusted, who ate of my bread, has lifted the heel against me.
Verse 10But you, O Lord, be gracious to me, and raise me up, that I may repay them.
Verse 11By this I know that you are pleased with me; because my enemy has not triumphed over me.
Verse 12But you have upheld me because of my integrity, and set me in your presence forever.
Verse 13Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen.
Devotion
Today we remember Cyril and Methodius. Despite strong opposition, the brothers’ mission trip to Moravia was successful in part because of their knowledge of the local language. Surely a strong faith and resilient sense of call also proved valuable. Their legacy includes having translated the Bible and the liturgy into the native tongue.
Others certainly have suffered more, but it is true to say that nearly everyone who bears witness to the faith faces challenges. It may be a neighbor uncomfortable with our using faith language in conversation, a co-worker openly disdainful of anything religious, or an acquaintance being hostile to our message.
The psalmist understands. There is a heartfelt claim upon God’s protection, humble confession and a lament of suffering. Near death, the psalmist faces a grave moment. Yet the psalm is also filled with hope – an assurance that the loving presence of God is still powerful in the midst of the suffering.
Prayer
Keep us strong in our faith, O Lord, especially at the moment of great suffering. Amen.