Tuesday, August 19, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Psalm 71:1–6

In you, O Lord, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame. In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me and save me. Be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and cruel. For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth. From my birth I have leaned upon you, my protector since my mother’s womb. My praise is continually of you. (NRSVUE)

Reflection

There is a 1999 song performed by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir entitled “My Help Cometh from the Lord.” It references Psalm 121:1–2: “God should be our first resort, our refuge, our hope.” Over the years, the lyrics to this song have encouraged me through very difficult times and are just as encouraging and uplifting today.

I know that I am not alone in this. We are all living in very challenging times, and all of us need God’s help. Psalm 71 is also a reminder of how much we need God and how we can take refuge in God. God is our “hope” and our “trust,” and through God we can endure whatever this life may bring us.

Prayer

Lord, we are grateful that we can depend on you. Thank you for being our fortress and refuge, and when we feel our strength has failed, we can call on you to deliver us. We honor you for always being our present help. We give you all the praise. Amen.

Written by Michelle Epps, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church 

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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