Sometimes I realize I’ve been reading a certain word and skipping right over it. Not taking a moment to consider what it means in this particular context. I’m thinking of words I am familiar with … like wait or refuge or shame. Perhaps those are familiar to you too. Words used in our common language and society.
We wait for the timer to go off signaling the cookies have reached their perfect finish.
We seek refuge from the rain with a hood or hat or umbrella or roof!
We reprimand ourselves, “Shame on you, self, for eating too many freshly baked cookies.”
As I read through the 24 powerful verses n Psalm 31, I was struck by David’s use of refuge (vv. 1,2,4,19) and shame(v.1, 17×2) and loved that his song concludes with his description of one who waits for the Lord (v.24). This is not exclusive to Psalm 31 of course. We’ve been reading these words regularly over the past several weeks spending time in the Psalms and Proverbs. But this week they resonated with me in a deeper way.
In last Sunday’s message, Pastor Lincoln’s teaching moved me to a deeper consideration when he told us “Waiting is trusting.”
Trusting. That’s another word with a superficial application like I am trusting my sister won’t forget my birthday. But … in Scripture it is so much more. To wait, to trust, to hope, often for a long time, for God’s work in us and amongst us. For our good and His glory. To read in Scripture of the encouragement, even command, to wait and trust, with such a depth of meaning is reshaping how I gain understanding of what I’m reading. To use the words wait and trust in my own communications changes because they are not words to be strewn about carelessly. Neither are refuge or shame (or ashamed).
One commentary reminded me that a refuge is the place we go to find comfort and peace … where we draw strength and build stability, emotionally and psychologically.
I also appreciated this comment on the phrase to be put to shame … to be shown to have relied on a false basis for hope.
So let’s read from Psalm 31 with some deeper understanding …
The opening of Psalm 31:
In you, O LORD, do I take refuge;
[The Lord is my refuge – the place where I go to find comfort and peace; where I draw strength and build stability, security, emotionally and psychologically; my rock and my fortress.]
let me never be put to shame;
[Let me not be shown to have relied on a false basis for hope – God is my strength and my hope]
in your righteousness deliver me!
Incline your ear to me;
rescue me speedily!
Be a rock of refuge for me,
a strong fortress to save me!
For you are my rock and my fortress;
and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me;
you take me out of the net they have hidden for me, for you are my refuge. vv. 1-4
The closing of Psalm 31:
Love the LORD, all you his saints!
The LORD preserves the faithful
but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride.
Be strong and let your heart take courage,
all you who wait for the LORD! vv. 23-24
[All you who wait – all who trust the Lord for the concerns and the joys and the strength and the words to share what the Lord has done and will do in my life]
Dear woman – read with confidence in the Lord to open your eyes and your heart to His good work as you pursue Him in His Word. There is nothing better!
Trusting the Lord with you, Colleen