Psalm 71:1 In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame.
The Psalms, to me, feel very honest. Some of them, like today’s verses, are very positive and uplifting, praise and thanksgiving to God for being a Rock and a Refuge in times of troubles. Some Psalms, like Psalm 35, are angry and bitter. And honestly, some days are like that. For a long time I thought I had to bring God the cleaned, sanitized version of myself–no bitterness, no anger, no fear or jealousy–or He wouldn’t accept me, wouldn’t love me.
Psalm 71:2 In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me; turn your ear to me and save me.
It’s hard to give your whole heart to a God that you don’t believe loves all of you, even the dark, scary parts that you keep well hidden lest someone see. But my God is bigger than my feelings. He knows all of me, and I am fearfully and wonderfully made. He wants me to lay my anger, bitterness, and fear at His feet so that I’m not shackled with their burden; however, He loves me completely–always–even when I cling to fear or anger or grief. He asks me to love Him completely always as well.
Psalm 71:3 Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.
Precious Savior, Thank You that You are a God of love, compassion, and mercy. Thank You for knowing all of me and loving me fiercely and completely in spite of myself. Help me to lay my burdens–doubt, fear, bitterness, grief, pain–all of them at Your feet so that I can wrap myself in Your peace. Draw me closer. Amen.
Psalm 71:4 Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel.
Have a blessed day.