July 6th~Our Place of Safety

Psalm 1, 2

Psalm 10

Psalm 33

Psalm 71

Psalm 91

I really enjoyed today’s passages. These six psalms are some of my favorites, and the theme that unifies them is the perseverance of the righteous in light of the pervasiveness of the wicked. The springboard is Psalm 1. Think on these verses again:

“Oh the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked or stand around with sinners or join in with scoffers, but they delight in doing everything the Lord wants. They are like trees planted among the riverbank, bearing fruit each season without fail; their leaves never wither, and in all they do, they prosper. But this is not true of the wicked. They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind. They will be condemned at the time of judgment. Sinners will have no place with the godly. For the Lord watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.”

The theme continues in Psalms 2 and 10. “The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the Lord and against His Anointed One. But the One who rules in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. These wicked people are too proud to seek God. They think that God is dead; yet they succeed in everything they do. They do not see the punishment awaiting them” (2:2, 4; 10:4, 5).

How is it in a world so evil and corrupt and bent against the things of God that we, His people, can rest at night? How is it that we can be so calm and confident knowing the wickedness and wrongdoing that surrounds us? Our poise and perseverance are rooted in the person, plan, and protection of God. Of these things the writer reminds us in Psalms 33, 71, and 91.

“The Lord shatters the plans of the nations and thwarts all their schemes. But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever; His intentions can never be shaken... The Lord watches over those who fear Him... We depend on the Lord alone to save us. Only He can help us, protecting us like a shield” (33:10, 11, 18, 20).

“O Lord, You are my refuge... You are my rock and my fortress. You alone are my hope... Your righteousness reaches to the highest heavens. You have done such wonderful things. Who can compare with You, O God? I will praise You because You are faithful to your promises” (71:1, 3, 5, 19, 22).

“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I will declare, ‘He alone is my refuge, my place of safety. He is my God and I am trusting in Him...’ If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, then no evil will conquer you. The Lord says, ‘I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in My name” (91:1, 2, 9, 14).

Daily Reflection

What an awesome God you serve! In the midst of unsettling times, unnerving news, and unending disappointments, you can live an unwavering life, because the God, in whom you trust, is faithful and true.

What is it about this world or your life that concerns you most? How can your knowledge and faith in God help you rest in spite of them?

BiAY.org |Day 187 — 178 Days to Go