Listen

The Lord is a safe place for the oppressed— a safe place in difficult times. Those who know your name trust you because you have not abandoned any who seek you, Lord.

Psalm 9:9-10

Think

Do you have a favorite place that makes you feel safe? Or do you have a friend who makes you feel heard and safe whenever you’re going through tough times? When life gets overwhelming, David reminds us in this psalm that God offers that safe place for us and we can be assured of God’s abiding presence.

When I think of the oppressed, I think of our sisters and brothers of color who continue to feel the weight of systemic racism that is so ingrained in our country. As a person of color myself, I know how important it is to have safe people whom I can trust who are willing to walk alongside me, be a voice for me in times when I can’t or when it’s dangerous to speak out, and be a true advocate for justice. The community we choose is important.

As followers of Jesus, are you willing to be a safe place for those who are oppressed? In so doing, you tell the story of God’s abiding presence.

Shauw Chin Capps

Pray

You are my refuge, God, in times of trouble. Thank you for reminding me that you NEVER abandon anyone who seeks you. Teach me to be a safe place for those who are still oppressed in our world today. Amen.

Go

God’s grace offers us blank pages and invites us to continue to write our part in God’s story!

Have courage! Keep writing because we serve a faithful God who has the power to weave our story into God’s good plan for the world.