Devotion • January 29
Scripture Reading
Psalm 62:5–12
For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
On God rests my deliverance and my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is in God.
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah
Those of low estate are but a breath, those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath.
Put no confidence in extortion, and set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, do not set your heart on them.
Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God,
and steadfast love belongs to you, O Lord. For you repay to all according to their work. (NRSV)
Reflection
A definition of faith may be accepting that not everything about God can be explained and still believing. It reminds me of the quote that is often attributed to theoretical physicist Richard Feynman: “I would rather have questions that can’t be answered than answers that can’t be questioned.”
In this poem the psalmist is calling us to trust in God’s promise to love us. It tells the listener that God has the power — God is our rock, salvation, fortress, refuge — and our trust should be in God, not in people or possessions that are “together lighter than a breath.”
Easier said than done, right? Are we paying more attention to the size of our portfolios or to leaders who promise us things they will never deliver? Or maybe we support leaders who are absolutely trying to deliver things that are completely out of alignment with a loving God. Where is our focus?
The psalmist is expressing to us that our focus should be to trust God. People and wealth are fleeting. God is our rock and salvation. When our questions can’t be answered — such as, why does God let bad things happen to people — is our faith strong enough to truly trust that God is our refuge?
Prayer
God, help me to truly trust you. You are my rock and my salvation. Amen.
Written by Anthony Hipp, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church
Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church
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