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
The psalmist’s writing never ceases to amaze me. Yet, I often neglect the riches found in these pages. I am reminded that God has given us all that our heart needs in these verses. Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote in The Psalms – Prayer Book of the Bible, “What matters is not what we feel like praying about, but what God wants us to ask him for. Not the poverty of our own heart, but the riches of the Word of God must decide how we are to pray.”
The depths and heights of the human experience embraced within the divine relationship that is scribed here can touch us wherever we find ourselves in this life – and even when we are facing the next. The wide and encompassing range of metaphors for God and for God’s strengths and ability to save are without end. These are the prayers that seek out our very soul.
Prayer
God, our Rock and Rescuer, may the words of our hearts and our mouths seek you and serve you always. Thank you for your saving riches. Amen.