Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1In you, O Lord, I seek refuge; do not let me ever be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me.
Verse 2Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily. Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me.
Verse 3You are indeed my rock and my fortress; for your name's sake lead me and guide me,
Verse 4take me out of the net that is hidden for me, for you are my refuge.
Verse 5Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.
Verse 15My times are in your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors.
Verse 16Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your steadfast love.
Devotion
The psalmist here is speaking to his God. The words express a deep trust in the Almighty. We hear them from the lips of Jesus as he hangs on the cross. We hear them from Stephen as he is being pelted with rocks.
This spirit of trust and dependence on the Lord has been expressed by God's people down through the centuries. Whenever we as God's people embark on a new enterprise, we commit ourselves to God's providence and nurture. Surely every missionary has lived out this faith and trust as they set out for some distant land.
As the church, we certainly seek to employ the wisdom that we have and we try not to be foolish in our decision-making. But from the beginning we know that we cannot see or know the ending. So, therefore, we go forward boldly as did our ancestors, trusting in the Lord. May God give the increase to our labors.
Prayer
Dear God, Help us to hear always your Spirits, guidance and enliven our obedience. In Jesus' name, Amen.