Focus

As you quiet yourself for this brief time, be willing to be open to God in whatever way that may take place.

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Read

Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 (NRSV)

In you, O LORD, I seek refuge;
do not let me ever be put to shame;
in your righteousness deliver me.
Incline your ear to me;
rescue me speedily.
Be a rock of refuge for me,
a strong fortress to save me.

You are indeed my rock and my fortress;
for your name’s sake lead me and guide me,
take me out of the net that is hidden for me,
for you are my refuge.
Into your hand I commit my spirit;
you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God.
…
My times are in your hand;
deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors.
Let your face shine upon your servant;
save me in your steadfast love.

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Reflect

The psalmist reminds us that we are in God’s “hands.” By declaring that God has hands, a powerful connection is made with the biblical story of creation, specifically the creation of humans. While the “hands” of God are not specifically mentioned in the creation account, the image of God making the first human from a mud-pie corresponds to the image of God’s hands keeping us throughout our existence.

According to Luke 23:46, Jesus quoted verse 5 of this psalm as he was dying on the cross. While this is certainly a messianic sign that connects the Old Testament with the life of Christ, it is also a reflection of the unfailing security in God, which Jesus felt during the most agonizing period of his life. The sense that God’s “hands” are undergirding us in both our creation and in our own deaths should comfort and strengthen us as we go through the life that God has made for us.

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Pray

Almighty God, help us to feel the hands of your abiding presence in our lives. Thank you for making us and for saving us from the sin engulfs us. Give us grace in this life and glory in the life to come, for we ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Go with God.