Tuesday June 15, 2021

Today’s Reading: Psalm 52

But I am like a flourishing olive tree in the house of God; I trust in God’s faithful love forever and ever.

Psalm 52:8

Reflection: Those who belong to God are preserved under His expert care. They are nourished by His faithful love. They are provided for by His sovereignty and goodness. All who depend on the LORD are remembered by Him. In His house they delight in His truth all day long. In the Eyes of the Rock of Ages, people are like the grass that withers and the flower that fades, here today and gone tomorrow. To the Eternal God, the life of each human begins and ends within the blink of an eye. Still, within that time, the LORD makes His people flourish like the olive tree: resilient and strong against the elements, vibrant and healthy, bearing an abundance of fruit to testify of His goodness and be harvested for His purpose. God’s beloved thrive within His house, in His Holy Presence.

What should the LORD do, then, to those who threaten the well-being of those in His care? How should He respond to those whose works of treachery go against His love, or whose words cause destruction? Be assured that God does not allow them to continue in their ways. He uproots from the land of the living all evil along with those who inflict it. He brings them down, that they would not cause destruction any longer. Our good God upholds His goodness provides for His own everlasting protection. Evil will one day be utterly destroyed. But the LORD will continue to execute His goodness upon His people forever.

Prayer: Almighty God, You are sovereign above all things. You are our Shield and Protection, our Nurturer, the Lover of our souls. Thank You for Your constant care. Thank You for all that You do for us Your people. We know that in Your Presence we are safe and secure. Please help us to bear witness to Your goodness. Make us thrive, that we would bear fruit for Your glory. Show us how to trust completely in the ways You execute Your righteousness and justice. Keep us close to Your Presence, that we would praise Your Holy Name forever. In Jesus’ Name we lift up this prayer, AMEN.

Bible-in-a-Year Reading Plan (credit: Bible, studytools.com): Acts 28:1-16; 1 Samuel 4-5; Psalm 52