Devotion:
Read Psalm 31:1-5.
When I read this scripture passage about God being our refuge and rock, I am reminded of a rock formation in the Nantahala National Forest. The rock formation has a small waterfall flowing over its edge. Individuals can walk behind the waterfall and find refuge within the shelter of the rock.
As we read this scripture, we can sense the writer’s fears, but we also get a strong sense of the writer’s trust in God. Psalm 31 begins and ends with expressions of trust in God. This is a prayer which teaches us about trusting God both for confidence in living and peace in dying.
What are the images of this great trust? The Psalmist chooses words such as “rock of refuge” and “a strong fortress”. These are great metaphors. But the word I noticed this time in reading this passage is the word, “my”. The word “my” in “my rock and my refuge” is more than a metaphor. The word “my” indicates relationship.
The Psalmist understood the characteristics of God to be steadfast in love, eternally faithful, and to be a strong protector for safe refuge. One is safe in God’s presence----as safe as in the shelter of a rock. God can be trusted.
Rocks were and are still common in Israel’s terrain. The people understood this Psalm. It was part of their common worship and heart’s language. Jesus knew and understood this relationship with the Heavenly Father such that in his dying moments he quotes the words from verse 5, “Into your hands, I commit my Spirit.”
Personal Worship Option:
Dear God, sometimes I am afraid, too. Thank you for the Psalmist’s words. You are my rock and my refuge. Help me to trust you more each day. “Into your hands, I commit my spirit.” Help me to live into that promise today. Help me to realize that with your presence, I don’t have to live in fear, but I am safe with you. Amen.
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