Be a Rock of Refuge for Me

This meditation is based on a passage for April 23, 2011 in the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Psalm 31

Reflection and Question: Like Good Friday and Easter, this psalm is full of the ups and downs of life. In the face of adversity, the poet expresses a rock solid faith in God’s loving care. Shame seems to plague the psalmist most. He or she says so vividly, “For I hear the whispering of many — terror all around!” After calling upon God for help, the psalmist bursts with joy, exalting God’s abundant goodness. There seems to be no doubt that God will answer these prayers for deliverance. This psalm gives words to both our neediness and our courage. When did you last need God to be a rock of refuge?

Prayer: Let me know your forgiveness, O Love, for I call upon You;
Let my fears be cast out, let them be transformed.
Let me speak only truth, Beloved, that I may live with integrity,
Offering songs of praise to You. Amen
(from Psalm 31, Nan C. Merrill, Psalms for Praying, p. 54)