Refuge and Even More – Psalm 31:1-5,15-16

A text – Psalm 31

¹ In you, O Lord, I seek refuge; do not let me ever be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me.
² Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily. Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me.

³ You are indeed my rock and my fortress; for your name’s sake lead me and guide me;
⁴ take me out of the net that is hidden for me, for you are my refuge.
⁵ Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.

¹⁵ My times are in your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors.
¹⁶ Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your steadfast love.

A reflection:

A refuge-seeker wrote this psalm. Probably David, the anointed next king of Israel, perhaps while King Saul was persecuting him, seeking his death at every turn.

I have rarely been in dangerous enough situations to fear for my life, nor have I had anyone trying to kill me (at least I don’t think so). But there have been times when I looked for refuge from some looming trial or the illness of someone I loved or even the death of people I was close to. I do know what it is like to seek peace away from fear and pain or from some horror lying on the road ahead, where one can only imagine the worst. But I have neighbors these days, known and unknown to me, who are actually refugees from danger and poverty and hopelessness.

Imagine such a refugee running up to a fortress and banging at the outer gate, knowing someone can save them from the torment and danger at their heels. They are certain the rescuer will open the gate to them and they will at last be safe. Even Jesus, at the point of death on the cross, comes to that door and cries out “Into your hand I commit my spirit,” knowing his faithful heavenly Father had already made his future secure.

We can get through anything if we are sure someone faithful waits on the other side of that gate. And even when it comes to death, we can know that God loves us because Jesus showed that he loves us and wants only the best for us. We can be secure. Because we know this life is temporary, but our Lord will take us across the threshold into new life even as we slide out of the old one. Jesus showed us that this is our real future if we want it. We seek refuge and God gives us even more: eternal entrance into the everlasting dance of God, who is and always was and will be love.

A prayer:

Lord God, thank you for loving us. Thank you for rescuing us when we seek refuge. Help us to recognize the many refugees on our path each day and grant them peace and rest. Help us to know that when our end comes we seek refuge in you and receive life inside your life forever. Amen.