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
I write these reflections as I, like many, “shelter at home” as a frightening virus epidemic rages through our communities and world. Perhaps that is why the psalmist’s words—“refuge,” “deliverance,” “rescue,” “fortress,” “rock,” “salvation”—seem to fairly leap out at me. Phrases like “Incline your ear to me” and “Take me out of this net” have crossed my lips more than once on my secluded morning walks these days.
But then I am thankful that somehow—I am confident it is a sign that the Spirit of God is dwelling with me—eventually other words imitating the psalmist begin to take over my prayer. They are words that reflect the promise of Easter and the resurrection: “My times are in your hand.” “You have redeemed me, O faithful God.” So “into your hand I commit my [life]” in these coming days. And such words are enough to get me through this day.
Prayer
O faithful God, by your Spirit, continue to seep into my being with your calming presence and your resurrection promise that all times—and this time—are in your hands. Enable me to commit my life this day into your care. Amen.