Listen

My God, rescue me from the power of the wicked; rescue me from the grip of the wrongdoer and the oppressor because you are my hope, Lord. You, Lord, are the one I’ve trusted since childhood. I’ve depended on you from birth— you cut the cord when I came from my mother’s womb. My praise is always about you.

Psalm 71:4-6

Think

Reading this Psalm (both yesterday and today), we hear the cries of one seeking refuge from the wicked, the unjust, and the cruel. This is easily the cry of our neighbors. It is the cry of strangers oppressed by political and economic systems around the world, including our own country.

The Psalmist’s hope is in the Lord. He makes proclamations of trust in God. He is praying for refuge and affirming that God is in control of his life. How are we hearing those prayers in our lives? Are they often pointed inward, where we pray for refuge and hope for ourselves?

Perhaps we should consider ways that we can be answers to the prayers of others. Imagine a life lived as God’s agent of rescue, hope, trust, and deliverance for others. There are many crying out for help, for a refuge. And there are many of us with resources given by God, who can be the refuge in the storm.

Brian Foreman

Pray

God, you are my refuge. You are worthy of my praise. I trust you and know that you call me to be your refuge for others. Show me the way. Amen.

Go

You are God’s.

You are loved.

You are known.

Let God’s love speak to you.

Let God’s love be known through you.

Amen.