Day 37-April 3

Psalm 31:9-16
Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am in distress;
my eye wastes away from grief,
my soul and body also.
For my life is spent with sorrow,
and my years with sighing;
my strength fails because of my misery,
and my bones waste away.

I am the scorn of all my adversaries,
a horror to my neighbors,
an object of dread to my acquaintances;
those who see me in the street flee from me.
I have passed out of mind like one who is dead;
I have become like a broken vessel.
For I hear the whispering of many—
terror all around!—
as they scheme together against me,
as they plot to take my life.

But I trust in you, O LORD;
I say, ‘You are my God.’
My times are in your hand;
deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors.
Let your face shine upon your servant;
save me in your steadfast love.

Reflection
“My times are in your hand.” “Father, into your hands I commend my Spirit” (Luke 23:46). Jesus knew the psalms. It’s no accident that Jesus’ words on the cross echo Psalm 31:15 and that these passages are so closely linked this week.
To what extent do we truly believe that God is present and in control of our lives?
What would that acknowledgement look like, feel like, sound like in your life?
How would you be freed to live? What fears would be lessened? Would you feel strengthened by embracing these words in your own life?

Prayer
God of our lives, it is not always easy to trust that you are with us, especially when our lives feel out of our control. Come to think of it, were they ever in our control? To the extent that we play a part in the outcome of our days, please help us to be strong and focused and responsible. When we come to the edge of all for which we can bear responsibility and choice, allow us to rest in you, and to affirm the gift and the grace of affirming that our times are in your hand. Amen.