Friday 22 April 2022

Psalm 100

Background

Today's reading is headed as a song of praise:  the prophet Isaiah is encouraging the readers to sing praises to God, to keep their minds steadfast on God and to trust in the Lord forever. He describes the Lord as the rock eternal. God is often described in the Bible as a rock: in God is stability, safety, a place of refuge in the midst of life storms. It was from a rock God provided water from for the Israelites in the wilderness. The Lord is the one Isaiah says they were to await and walk in his ways. There is a comparison between the wicked and those who are righteous (act in accord with divine or moral law). The song is to encourage the people to continue to walk in God's ways with the message that a time of judgement will come for all people. There is a yearning, longing, desire for God, to trust and keep their mind on God, who will keep those who do in perfect peace.

We are told to trust in the Lord.  It’s not always easy to place our trust in others. People we trusted may have let us down, but Isaiah is encouraging us to trust God who will not let us down. Jesus is described as the rock, cornerstone, foundation of the Church. He promised Peter on this rock I will build my Church. Jesus is our rock: he is always there for those who put their faith in him,. Christ himself is our source of security and the unshakable foundation for our lives. He is worthy of our trust.

 To Ponder:

• What was in the reading that made you curious?
• Is there any area in your life you need to trust in the Lord at this time?
• When and where have you thought of God as your rock?

 Prayer

Lord, you are our rock and our redeemer. You are our fortress and deliverer, our God in whom we take refuge, our shield. You are our salvation and stronghold. We worship you and sing  hymns of praise to your mercy and goodness. The Lord lives, blessed be our rock eternal. We wait for the desire of our hearts, keeping faith and trusting in you. Amen.