Thoughts for the Day

Song of Trust and Security in God. A Miktam of David.

Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
I say to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you.’

As for the holy ones in the land, they are the noble,
in whom is all my delight.

Those who choose another god multiply their sorrows;
their drink-offerings of blood I will not pour out
or take their names upon my lips.

The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
I have a goodly heritage.

I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
I keep the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices;
my body also rests secure.
For you do not give me up to Sheol,
or let your faithful one see the Pit.

You show me the path of life.
In your presence there is fullness of joy;
in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

This wonderful little psalm is about centering all our affections and trust on God. The word "miktam" is of unknown meaning, and though guesses have been made over the centuries, none is satisfactory.

↠ The only time in our life has our safety probably been completely given to another is as a baby, when we were totally dependent upon someone to feed, clothe, wash and nurture us. If we hold this thought in our minds we can see the kind of trust that David is talking about when he speaks of God.

David has chosen to take refuge in God's presence, knowing he will be safe. He mentions that his companions are those who are of the same mind, that is the "noble ones" who are "holy". He uses the phrase "The Lord is my portion and my cup" and says he is satisfied with his "heritage" ie what God has given to him. The mention of a "cup" (that is, a drink) is important in a land that is often barren and where strangers must be welcomed with a drink..

We should not think this trust is lightly given, for hints of danger are present. Words like "protect me" and God being always at his "right hand" (the place where a person is often unable to protect themself from a sword thrust), as well as his hope to be rescued from "the pit" and "Sheol" (the places for the dead) all confirm the ever present danger.

↠ But notice the goal that awaits David, and each one of us who trust in God, in the last verse:

"You show me the path of life.
In your presence there is fullness of joy;
in your right hand are pleasures for evermore."

Lord Jesus Christ,
when we are concerned about danger
and worry for our own safety,
whether that is through illness.
old age or infirmity,
or from accident or injury,
may we remember that we are
on a journey in this world,
and that all journeys have
beginnings and ends,
and that wherever we are
You travel with us
and that we are ultimately
totally safe in Your hands.
Amen.