Friday, September 24, 2021

Today’s Reading: Psalm 142

Look to the right and see: no one stands up for me; there is no refuge for me; no one cares about me.

Psalm 142:4

Reflection: In King David’s loneliness, in his lament over being forsaken by all people, in his vulnerability for having no place of safety, he cries to God Who hears Him. Though people have left his side, the LORD remains with him. Though no one cares for him, the LORD is compassionate to hear his prayer. While there is no earthly refuge in sight, God provides his shelter for David. A cry of distress to the LORD is not left unheard or unanswered.

The faithfulness of God is difficult to understand or imagine. Weak glimpses of it can be seen in the efforts of men and women. But because people are fickle, faithfulness is not something that is guaranteed by human attempts to maintain it. A look at people and their relatiionship with God proves this. But God throughout history never leaves nor forsakes His people. And His presence among them supersedes and overcomes where others lack. Do you feel weak with loneliness? The LORD is with you. Have you been abandoned or rejected? The LORD has never left your side. Are you without refuge from those who pursue after you? The LORD is a strong and mighty tower, an indestructible shelter to grant protection and safety from now until eternity. You are not alone. For all who have sought the God have Him in Whom they can place their hope and trust.

Prayer: O Loving God, You are my Strength and my Shield. You are a strong and mighty Tower. You are my Hiding Place. Thank You, LORD, for Your blessings upon me, for never leaving nor forsaking me. Thank You for Your steadfast faithfulness. Please remind me of Your presence now, LORD, as I go about my day. Remind me that You are with me in all that I do, that not only would I rely on You completely, but also seek to please You in every situation. In the Name of Your Son Jesus Christ I pray, AMEN.

Bible-in-a-Year Reading Plan (credit: Bible, studytools.com): Galatians 1; Jeremiah 47-48; Psalm 142