Scripture for Today 

Psalm 61:1-3 (ESV)

Hear my cry, O God,
listen to my prayer;
from the end of the earth I call to you
when my heart is faint.
Lead me to the rock
that is higher than I,
for you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the enemy.

Isn’t it amazing that in anxious times we cry out to God and ask Him to really, really hear our prayer? We pray to the God who has invited us to ask, instructed us to pray, and even commanded us to talk to Him. Yet, somehow, our angst overrides our knowledge and we find ourselves begging God to simply listen.

The life of the Psalmist David is extremely unsettled. David feels like God is far away and perhaps unaware (thus, he is at the ends of the earth). Nothing good seems to be happening and David is overwhelmed.

We read these words and think to ourselves, “David is reading my journal, my texts, and my thoughts.” We are one week into the stronger measures requested by our governing authorities and medical professionals. Many of us are past the initial shock and awe, but are becoming overwhelmed as we see the implications of our new abnormal playing out.

Will the virus eventually spike and decline in our area? Will there be paychecks? Will my business survive? Will I be able to finish the school year as teacher or student? Will my Netflix account crash and burn from binge-watching? 

How do we react in such times? Note the pathway that David lays out for us. First, he freely acknowledges his need of safety and security. 

Next, he considers the very character of God. His descriptions of God’s character include Rock, Refuge, and Strong Tower. Each one describes strength, shelter, and defense against the enemy. When a person has strength, she believes she can function freely in the tasks God has given her to do. When a person is secure, he believes he can follow God’s calling courageously. 

God offers shelter which is dynamic. We need not take shelter in order to cower in fear, but to function in faith. When our hearts are comforted by God, we are free to accomplish His will for today. We sense His presence and we experience His power. 

Note carefully that David does not attempt to climb to such lofty heights on his own. He asks God, “Lead me.” Would you do that today? You know the condition of your heart and the thoughts in your mind. Lay them out for God. Ask Him to lead you to a place of safety that you need today in order think clearly, speak kindly, sleep peacefully, and love boldly. 

Prayer for Today

Dear Jesus, 

You are our Rock and our Redeemer. You are our safe place. You are bigger, stronger, and more majestic than anything we can think or imagine. We find relief in your greatness.

We confess that we are overwhelmed. Our hearts are faint. We hear lots of stuff and we are not even sure if we can keep up. This constant information anchors in our brains and takes flight in our thoughts. We repent of letting such earthly knowledge displace You in our focused attention. 

Thank You for making us capable of communicating with you, the living God. Thank You for inviting us into conversation. Thank You for being a ready refuge. Thank you for giving us strength when we abide in Your presence. Thank You, that in You, we can face the enemy. 

We need You today. Lead us to a safe place in You. Be our security in uncertain times.   Increase our faith and strengthen our hearts. Bring peace to our minds.

We love you. Thank You for loving us.

In the strong name of Jesus,

Amen.

Song for Today

Rock of Ages
YouTube Link
Author: Augustus Montague Toplady & Thomas Hastings (arr. Chris Rice)
Public Domain / 2006 Clumsy Fly Music
CCLI: #40588 / 4896054

Rock of Ages, cleft for me
Let me hide myself in thee
Let the water and the blood
From thy wounded side which flowed
Be of sin the double cure
Save from wrath and make me pure

Not the labors of my hands
Can fulfill thy law’s demands
Could my zeal no respite know
Could my tears forever flow
These for sin could not atone
Thou must save, and thou alone

Nothing in my hand I bring
Simply to Thy cross I cling
Naked, come to thee for dress
Helpless, look to thee for grace
Foul, I to the fountain fly
Wash me, Savior, or I die

While I draw this fleeting breath
When my eyes shall close in death
When I rise to worlds unknown
And behold Thee on Thy throne
Rock of Ages, cleft for me
Let me hide myself in thee