Oct 26 Daily Rhythms

Morning
Psalm 31:1-5

In you, O LORD, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me! Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily! Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me! For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me; you take me out of the net they have hidden for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God.

Notice again why God leads and guides the Psalmist. God is a fortress. A place to take refuge. What do you need refuge from today? What assails your heart, soul, and body? Pray “God me my refuge from…”

Afternoon
Psalm 31:6-10

I hate those who pay regard to worthless idols, but I trust in the LORD. I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love, because you have seen my affliction; you have known the distress of my soul, and you have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy; you have set my feet in a broad place. Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eye is wasted from grief; my soul and my body also. For my life is spent with sorrow, and my years with sighing; my strength fails because of my iniquity, and my bones waste away.

There is a powerful lesson here. Taken together this morning and this afternoon teach that “my iniquity” (or sin) destroy us, but that our hope is to hide from this in the fortress of God. How do you suppose God can be your fortress from your own sin? From yourself? How can he transform your heart today? Ask him to do this.

Evening
Psalm 31:11-18   

Because of all my adversaries I have become a reproach, especially to my neighbors, and an object of dread to my acquaintances; those who see me in the street flee from me. I have been forgotten like one who is dead; I have become like a broken vessel. For I hear the whispering of many—terror on every side!— as they scheme together against me, as they plot to take my life. But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors! Make your face shine on your servant; save me in your steadfast love! O LORD, let me not be put to shame, for I call upon you; let the wicked be put to shame; let them go silently to Sheol. Let the lying lips be mute, which speak insolently against the righteous in pride and contempt.

The Psalmist speaks mainly against those who are enemies of God. Yes, they attack him too, but it seems to be because he associates with God. They worship useless idols and attack those who worship the One True God. Who do you know like that? There are those who are blatant in their hatred of God. But who is more subtle? Who uses the name of God in arrogance while undermining the glory and fame of God? Pray that God will defend his glory, and that his church would not be seduced by he enemies.