Focus

Relax and listen. Consciously prepare to hear God’s Word. Clear your mind of the worries and tasks that lie before you. Open your heart and allow it to refresh.

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Read

Psalm 71:1-6 (NRSV)

In you, O LORD, I take refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me;
incline your ear to me and save me.
Be to me a rock of refuge,
a strong fortress, to save me,
for you are my rock and my fortress.

Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked,
from the grasp of the unjust and cruel.
For you, O Lord, are my hope,
my trust, O LORD, from my youth.
Upon you I have leaned from my birth;
it was you who took me from my mother’s womb.
My praise is continually of you.

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Reflect

This psalm reminds me of the parable about building a house on rock versus building a house on sand. The man who built his house on rock or a firm foundation made it through hard times, but the man who built the house built on sand fell when the storms of life came. We all need the firm foundation found in God’s love. Hard times will come and go. God’s love is always near.

“You keep me going when times are tough—my bedrock, God, since my childhood.” The Message translation of that verse says it perfectly. A firm foundation in God can get us through the toughest times.

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Pray

God, you are my rock and my salvation. Forever I will praise you. Be with me through the tough battles now and those ahead. I can’t get through this life on my own. To say that I am thankful would be an understatement. Having you as my firm foundation helps me appreciate the hard times and celebrate the good times. Amen.

Go with God.