Today’s readings tell us that our promise-making God is faithful, generation after generation. God uses inadequate and flawed people to do extraordinary things through their faith. Generation after generation, people of faith put their trust in God to be their strength, irrespective of the temporal results. Whether there be earthly rescue and temporal victory, or a path of grief like Christ had in this life, God is faithful. He is our strength and keeps His promises. We have received the highest confirmation that God keeps his promises — the satisfaction of God’s promised salvation in Jesus. Today’s psalm is a lament occurring from affliction, yet one in which David places his trust and belief in God, realizing, “My destiny is in your hands” (Ps 31:16). David suffers from a worsening illness that makes him, as he says, “To all my foes I am a thing of scorn;…when they see me in public, they quickly shy away” (Ps 31:12). David has deep faith in God and prays: “Into your hands I commend my spirit; you will redeem me, Lord.” (Ps 31:6)

Prayer: Abba Father, you are my shelter and protection. Amen.