Scripture Reading(s)
Psalm 71:1-6
71:1 In you, O LORD, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame.
71:2 In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me and save me.
71:3 Be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.
71:4 Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and cruel.
71:5 For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O LORD, from my youth.
71:6 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.
Reflection(s)
Fear and anxiety are unfortunately a common part of our society today. Even more devastating is the fact that most Christians will look to other means to give them peace in their trying situations and not looking God as our ultimate source of strength.
I struggled with anxiety for what felt like years of my life and my fears ultimately crippled me and blinded me from finding true joy and peace in Christ. This passage is a firm reminder that it is through God that we can find ultimate peace in our lives. Here we are reminded that God’s peace is translated in three different ways.
- God is our Rock and Refuge: (vs1-3):Refuge by definition is a condition of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, or trouble. That is exactly what God is to us. He not only protects us in times of stress but He brings with Him the true meaning of Peace. (John 14:27) “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
- God is our Ultimate Rescuer (vs 4): Here we see Davids life was ultimately put in danger. From a human stand point, Davids enemies were growing and he had every reason to be afraid for his life. However, despite the imminent threat for his very life he still trusted that Gods hand was going to rescue and save him from his enemies.
- God is our Ultimate Source of Hope (5-6): Faith alone is what causes and outflow of Gods hope being poured into our lives. David recognized that in order for him to believe that God was going to save him was by putting his ultimate hope in Christ.
When we find ourselves in a difficult situation what is our typical response? I know that my response is to take control over the situation and try to resolve everything myself. Others might get frustrated and act out. And some cave in and find themselves depressed. However, I think David’s response is the best though; an appeal to the Lord.
This is why Paul wrote to the Philippians,
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6)
When our problems seem bigger than we can handle always remember that no problem is bigger than the God we serve.
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Psalm 18:2)