Thoughts for the Day

Hear my cry, O God;
listen to my prayer.
From the end of the earth I call to you,
when my heart is faint.

Lead me to the rock
that is higher than I;
for you are my refuge,
a strong tower against the enemy.

Let me abide in your tent for ever,
and find refuge under the shelter of your wings.
For you, O God, have heard my vows;
you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name...

So I will always sing praises to your name,
as I pay my vows day after day.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

David, lived a thousand years before Christ, and over four hundred years before the exile to Babylon, when the people wondered if Yahweh (God) had gone with them into exile. Then the people sang "By the waters of Babylon" (Psalm 137.1-6) and wondered "How could we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land?" But David has no worries. Wherever he is, seemingly far from his native country and in extreme danger, he knows he can call to God for help. In a time when gods were local, on a certain mountain or water source, David knows that Yahweh is with him wherever he is.

David uses wonderful imagery in Psalm 61, above. Accustomed to the Judean wilderness, with its towering rocky hills as in Masada where so many were to die rather than give in to the Romans, and the caves where the 'Dead sea scrolls' were discovered, David pictures God taking him to the safest place - the top of the mountain. Here he will find safety. He also uses the image of a strong tower where he can be safe. The tent might seem a little unsafe, but the word in the original is 'tabernacle', where God is thought to reside and where the tablets of stone holding the Ten Commandments were held. Here he would be safe, like a baby chick under its mother's wing.

When we are desperate for help we should stand strong - totally convinced that God is there; that He hears our cry; and that He will give us the strength to cope with what is happening. Then should we also sing His praises!

Heavenly Father,
when life seems difficult;
when all around us seems chaotic;
and the 'time is out of joint',
may we appeal for Your help,
even more convinced that You
will help us.
May we remain firm in this faith,
knowing that whatever happens,
You care for us Your children.
Amen.