Tuesday, prior to Proper 14

 

Psalm 18:1–6—It is likely that King David wrote this psalm near the end of his life, as it is very similar to the psalm recorded in 2 Samuel 22, just before his last words. Here he recounts many of the terrible situation in which he found himself over the course of his life, and tells how the Lord delivered him. He says, In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.

When we find ourselves in bad situations, we ought to remember that the Lord has already delivered us from sin, death, and everlasting condemnation. St Paul would remind us, For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 6:23 While John teaches in 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

There are times when fear challenges faith. Numerous places in Scripture set fear against faith, love, and trust, so we must frankly admit that the fears we’ve talked about must (rightly) push us to examine our faith. This is God’s world. It is deeply flawed and broken, but it is still His good creation (Psalm 24). He has provided for the salvation of the world through Jesus Christ, and He has promised—and we know it is true—that through Christ we find forgiveness, peace, and joy; that one day the curse over this broken world will be lifted at the final return of Christ; and that God will raise the dead in Christ and create a new heaven and new earth, where there is no more mourning or crying or pain (Revelation 21:1-4).

Christ stands ready to defend us throughout our lives.  To follow Christ is to be a people of hope. And our hope is not in vain, because it is invested in the God of the universe, who has extended Himself lavishly on behalf of His children. He can aid us in conquering our fears. “Be of good cheer,” our Lord said, just before his own horrific death on our behalf, “I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Collect for Psalm 18 – Lord God, our stronghold and our salvation, give us such strength of life that we may reach out to our neighbor without counting the cost, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

For All the Saints A Prayer Book For and by the Church, Vol. II American Lutheran Publicity Bureau © 1995 Delhi, NY
Luther's Seal copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things