Focus

Sit quietly and take a few breaths. Listen for how God may be speaking to you today through this psalm.

 

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Read

Psalm 28 (NRSV)

To you, O LORD, I call;
my rock, do not refuse to hear me,
for if you are silent to me,
I shall be like those who go down to the Pit.
Hear the voice of my supplication,
as I cry to you for help,
as I lift up my hands
toward your most holy sanctuary.
Do not drag me away with the wicked,
with those who are workers of evil,
who speak peace with their neighbors,
while mischief is in their hearts.
Repay them according to their work,
and according to the evil of their deeds;
repay them according to the work of their hands;
render them their due reward.
Because they do not regard the works of the LORD,
or the work of his hands,
he will break them down and build them up no more.
Blessed be the LORD,
for he has heard the sound of my pleadings.
The LORD is my strength and my shield;
in him my heart trusts;
so I am helped, and my heart exults,
and with my song I give thanks to him.
The LORD is the strength of his people;
he is the saving refuge of his anointed.
O save your people, and bless your heritage;
be their shepherd, and carry them forever.

 

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Reflect

The Psalmist proclaims: “The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts.” Who are some of the people in your life that you trust?

When we trust someone, our decision to trust is both logical and emotional. It is logical because trust is usually built on our past experience with another. If our trust has been betrayed, we are less likely to take a chance in trusting that individual once again. However, if someone’s trustworthiness is confirmed, our trust grows. Logically, we conclude that the person we trust will behave predictably and prove that our trust is well placed.

Have you ever tried to work through a challenge with people who sharply distrust one another? When trust is absent, even simple things become complicated! However, when individuals and groups trust each other, they navigate complex situations effectively. Trust is essential for healthy relationships and its fruits are companionship, caring, comfort and a freedom to be oneself with another. Trust is emotional because when we trust another, we are vulnerable. Trust is an act of faith with an element of risk. Paradoxically, the sharing of vulnerability deepens trust and can strengthen our connection to one another.

Ultimately, we can be most vulnerable before God. God is completely trustworthy and knows our needs before we utter them. What a blessing to claim full trust in God! The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts; so I am helped, and my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.

 

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Pray

Holy God, my heart trusts in you. Thank you for your trustworthiness. You are my saving refuge and my strength. Amen.

 

Go with God!