Saturday, October 31, 2015

Today’s Reading  |  Psalm 62

For God alone my soul waits in silence;
   from him comes my salvation.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
   my fortress; I shall never be shaken.

How long will you assail a person,
   will you batter your victim, all of you,
   as you would a leaning wall, a tottering fence?
Their only plan is to bring down a person of prominence.
   They take pleasure in falsehood;
they bless with their mouths,
   but inwardly they curse.

For God alone my soul waits in silence,
   for my hope is from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
   my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
On God rests my deliverance and my honor;
   my mighty rock, my refuge is in God.

Trust in him at all times, O people;
   pour out your heart before him;
   God is a refuge for us.

Those of low estate are but a breath,
   those of high estate are a delusion;
in the balances they go up;
   they are together lighter than a breath.
Put no confidence in extortion,
   and set no vain hopes on robbery;
   if riches increase, do not set your heart on them.

Once God has spoken;
   twice have I heard this:
that power belongs to God,
   and steadfast love belongs to you, O Lord.
For you repay to all
   according to their work. (NRSV)

Reflection
Although October 31 and Halloween have become synonymous in recent years (it was certainly my first thought upon receiving this devotion assignment) this October 31 date has a profound significance for us as Protestant Christians as well. On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther is thought to have posted his 95 Theses on the door of the Schlosskirche in Wittenberg, Germany—a humble gesture that would nonetheless spark a massive religious revolution. Commemorated as Reformation Day, October 31 became more than just a night of spiritual contemplation on the eve of All Saints’ Day (the original intent of All Hallows’ Evening). Instead, Reformation Day is a chance to reflect on our beliefs as Protestant Christians.

The soaring refrain of Psalm 62 does a more than adequate job: “For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and salvation, my fortress; I shall never be shaken.” This is a beautiful psalm that captures the sovereignty of God and our trust that God is with us even in the darkest of circumstances—a trust that Luther would later capture in his famous hymn “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” In this day filled with costumes and candy, let us remember as well the courage and candor involved in the Reformation and may that boldness inspire us to undertake the work to which God has called each of us.

Prayer
Dear God, you are indeed my rock and salvation; a fortress that shall never be shaken. Embolden me to be your light in this world, a torchbearer of your great love. Amen.

Written by Matt Helms, Associate Pastor for Children and Family Ministry

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

Devotion index by date | I’d like to receive daily devotions by email