Tag Archives: the book of Psalms

September 6
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“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.  Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you.”  (Psalm 84:11-12, NIV)

Imagine life before the advent of electricity: The activities of everyday living revolved around the hours of daylight.  Nighttime activities were severely limited because lamp oil and candles were cumbersome, and expensive alternatives.

Perhaps we grasp the value of a shield a bit easier, if only because our cars have “windshields” that not only shield us from being buffeted by the wind as we zip along the streets and highways; but from bugs, rocks, and rainwater.  A windshield is a “go/no-go item” for most motorists: If it is in place, you go; if not, you choose to ride with a friend.

The psalmist reminds us that the Lord God is both a sun and shield.  Abide in God at all costs, and you will never dwell in darkness.  Trust in Him at all times, and He will be your shield from perils both seen and unseen.  – Luther

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August 18
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“Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”  (Psalm 62:8, NIV)

Most of us never give a moment’s thought to the necessity of refuge — until we encounter a force of nature.

When our serene life becomes an angry tempest, we yearn for the safety of the harbor.  When the sunshine disappears behind the darkest clouds, we take cover.  When the air we breathe becomes a gale and uproots the features of our landscape that we thought would never change, we flee to our refuge.

Because, in a figurative sense, all of us have been, will be, or will again be, refugees; we need to remember that not all places of refuge are able with withstand the forces.  The scripture reminds us of this when it tells us not to trust in ourselves; nor in others; nor in wealth or possessions.

In every situation, and “at all times, pour out your hearts to Him.”  God is our refuge!  He is our secure shelter.  – Luther

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August 13
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“Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.  Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep.  You, Lord, preserve both people and animals.”  (Psalm 36:5-6, NIV)

When we take the time to look around us, it is easy to be impressed by God’s virtuosity. The twinkling stars and other heavenly bodies mystify and fascinate us as much today as they did in David’s time.  On earth, the plants of the earth purify the air we breath, delight our eyes with their buds and flowers, and nourish our bodies as food.  We also have a common Creator with all of the animals, whether wild or domesticated — and He preserves it all.

Beware of becoming a “practical atheist” through inattention to all that is around us.  Look up; look around — and believe.  – Luther

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