My Rock and My Fortress
Opening Prayer
Lord, comfort me with Your presence today. You know my needs and my fears. May Your face shine on me.
Read Psalm 31:1-24
[1] For the director of music. A psalm of David. In you, LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. [2] Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. [3] Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. [4] Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. [5] Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, LORD, my faithful God. [6] I hate those who cling to worthless idols; as for me, I trust in the LORD. [7] I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. [8] You have not given me into the hands of the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place. [9] Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and body with grief. [10] My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak. [11] Because of all my enemies, I am the utter contempt of my neighbors and an object of dread to my closest friends- those who see me on the street flee from me. [12] I am forgotten as though I were dead; I have become like broken pottery. [13] For I hear many whispering, “Terror on every side!” They conspire against me and plot to take my life. [14] But I trust in you, LORD; I say, “You are my God.” [15] My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me. [16] Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love. [17] Let me not be put to shame, LORD, for I have cried out to you; but let the wicked be put to shame and be silent in the realm of the dead. [18] Let their lying lips be silenced, for with pride and contempt they speak arrogantly against the righteous. [19] How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you. [20] In the shelter of your presence you hide them from all human intrigues; you keep them safe in your dwelling from accusing tongues. [21] Praise be to the LORD, for he showed me the wonders of his love when I was in a city under siege. [22] In my alarm I said, “I am cut off from your sight!” Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help. [23] Love the LORD, all his faithful people! The LORD preserves those who are true to him, but the proud he pays back in full. [24] Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
Why is the psalmist afraid, and how is he comforted?In this week’s series, Habakkuk and Obadiah struggle with national difficulties. Here the psalmist was facing similar dangers: idolatry, sickness, enmity, pride, arrogance, dishonesty and fear. And they were affecting him on a more personal level. The one thing he wasn’t prepared to do was put a brave face on things, ignore the difficulties and hope that everything would turn out alright in the end. He made sure that he told the Lord exactly what his situation was and how he was feeling about it. He also made it abundantly clear what he expected God to do. The psalm is full of specific requests: “deliver me” (1), “turn your ear to me, come quickly” (2), “lead and guide me” (3), “free me” (4), “redeem me” (5). Finally, like the two prophets, the psalmist spoke out about his faith in the God who saves. He understood that at all times, and especially in times of difficulty and danger, the only safe place to be was in God’s hands. That knowledge, in its turn, built up his faith and gave him hope. It can do the same for us.
Apply
The psalmist calls God “rock of refuge,” “strong fortress to save,” etc. Use these names for worship and thanksgiving.
Closing prayer
Great God, You are indeed my Rock and I am so thankful. I rest safely knowing I belong to You.
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