Devotions - Wednesday, Jan 23

One of the traits lifted up by Biblical and spiritual writers is dependence upon God. The medieval tradition of monks who owned nothing but depended entirely on the charity of others, arose out of an attempt to depend upon God.

The Psalm appointed for these days is Psalm 40:6-17. Here is the closing verse:

As for me, I am poor and needy,

but the Lord takes thought for me.

You are my help and my deliverer;

do not delay, O my God.

When we have plenty, we become self-sufficient. When we are on the top of our game, we feel pretty good about our ability to take care of ourselves. It is when we are beaten down that we look, with anticipation, to our Creator.

The Psalmist speaks of living life in a state of need. He writes of being poor and needy. The Psalmist finds his hope, not in what he is able to do, but that the Lord takes thought of him.

When the scriptures say, "Blessed are the poor," this is what is going on. Those with few personal resources look to God for help and assistance. They turn to God, asking that there be no delay.

Upon what (or whom) do you depend? Is it yourself? Is it your resources? Is it God? That upon which we depend is (to paraphrase Martin Luther) our god.

Pastor Chris