Psalm 71:1-14 (NRSV)
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Verse 1In you, O Lord, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame.
Verse 2In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me and save me.
Verse 3Be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.
Verse 4Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and cruel.
Verse 5For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth.
Verse 6Upon you I have leaned from my birth; it was you who took me from my mother's womb. My praise is continually of you.
Verse 7I have been like a portent to many, but you are my strong refuge.
Verse 8My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all day long.
Verse 9Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength is spent.
Verse 10For my enemies speak concerning me, and those who watch for my life consult together.
Verse 11They say, "Pursue and seize that person whom God has forsaken, for there is no one to deliver."
Verse 12O God, do not be far from me; O my God, make haste to help me!
Verse 13Let my accusers be put to shame and consumed; let those who seek to hurt me be covered with scorn and disgrace.
Verse 14But I will hope continually, and will praise you yet more and more.
Devotion
Refuge. A place of shelter, protection and safety. She came to us as a surprise. An American Staffordshire terrier; aka a pit bull. Her owner had to give her up and the dog needed a home. I called dog shelters and rescues, but she was turned away. This breed of dog comes with societal baggage.
Their tremendous loyalty and bold nature have been exploited by dog fighting rings. But in the hands of loving owners, and given the right amount of socialization, training and love, they are docile, affectionate family dogs. After a month of searching, I found a home for this dog. A refuge ... somewhere safe with someone good.
God is our refuge; safe and good. "You, O God are my strong refuge" (Psalm 71:7). We know Jesus as friend, the trustworthy compassionate presence. Our refuge, our rock, our redeemer. Sink into this in times of refuge. Count them as grace. Bless them as gift. Rejoice in that safe place.
Prayer
God, our salvation, our vast, granite fortress: thank you for your tremendous loyalty, tenacity and bold nature to shelter and protect us. Your heart is our home. Amen.