Psalm 62:5-12 (NRSV)
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Verse 5For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him.
Verse 6He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
Verse 7On God rests my deliverance and my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is in God.
Verse 8Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah
Verse 9Those of low estate are but a breath, those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath.
Verse 10Put no confidence in extortion, and set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, do not set your heart on them.
Verse 11Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God,
Verse 12and steadfast love belongs to you, O Lord. For you repay to all according to their work.
Devotion
Crises happen. Like the prophets, we may undergo crises when God calls us to do something unwanted, unexpected or for which we feel unqualified. We all face people who criticize, misrepresent or harm us. Many of us have unexpected financial challenges. We lose loved ones, encounter illness, grow old, experience disabilities and die. People unjustly suffer crises of poverty, violence, exclusion, discrimination or oppression.
Amidst any crisis, the psalmist claims a "silence" of soul-comforting deep peace beyond understanding and unshakable hope. Speaking initially for himself, he then calls his community to trust in God alone—not in status, which carries less weight than breath; not in other people, who will fail us; and not in finances or resources, which can vanish. How is absolute trust in God possible? It is possible because trust's foundation is the honest, unfailing promise that power belongs to God who steadfastly loves all people.
Prayer
Loving God, we humbly come to you, our mighty rock and unfailing refuge. Forgive us when we become fearful in crises or complacent in daily life and trust in others, the things of this world, or ourselves rather than in you. Thank you for your steadfast love, the foundation of our trust. Help us unite with Christians in always and only relying on you. Amen.