Psalm 62
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock."
(MATTHEW 7:24)
Children in our Canadian village who lived across the river from the school had to use the bridge on the main street. When the river froze in winter, it was tempting for those whose homes were directly across from the school to walk over on the ice rather than trudge to the middle of town and backtrack several blocks, especially when running late. The ice could be rock-solid, but then it could be treacherous following even a brief thaw. Two of my first-grade classmates learned this when the ice gave way and they fell into the frigid water. Thankfully, they were rescued, and it was a while before anyone risked the shortcut again.
Sometimes life can feel like we're stepping onto thin ice. But with our trust solidly in our Savior, what we step onto will be firm and safe. His Word is our guide. Psalm 62 tells us to remember two things about our Lord: that He is strong and that He is loving. We can move forward in faith this New Year, knowing that He is our Rock and Fortress, and we will not be shaken.
About the writer:
Mary Waind is a retired elementary school teacher/librarian who still lives in the stone house her parents built in the village of Elora, Ontario in 1934. Now busy with writing pursuits, gardening, ice-skating, biking, and spending time with family and friends, she writes this month's Anchor looking ahead to a New Year.
INSIGHT
ON CHRIST, THE SOLID ROCK, I STAND!
(EDWARD MOTE, 1834)
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Genesis 1-2
Psalm 1
Matthew 1-2
Psalm 62
For Jeduthun, the choir director: A psalm of David.
1 I wait quietly before God,
for my victory comes from him.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress where I will never be shaken.
3 So many enemies against one man—
all of them trying to kill me.
To them I’m just a broken-down wall
or a tottering fence.
4 They plan to topple me from my high position.
They delight in telling lies about me.
They praise me to my face
but curse me in their hearts. Interlude
5 Let all that I am wait quietly before God,
for my hope is in him.
6 He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress where I will not be shaken.
7 My victory and honor come from God alone.
He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.
8 O my people, trust in him at all times.
Pour out your heart to him,
for God is our refuge. Interlude
9 Common people are as worthless as a puff of wind,
and the powerful are not what they appear to be.
If you weigh them on the scales,
together they are lighter than a breath of air.
10 Don’t make your living by extortion
or put your hope in stealing.
And if your wealth increases,
don’t make it the center of your life.
11 God has spoken plainly,
and I have heard it many times:
Power, O God, belongs to you;
12 unfailing love, O Lord, is yours.
Surely you repay all people
according to what they have done.
EVANGELISM EXPLOSION
with John Sorensen
God wants to use you to make a difference in eternity! Are you adequately prepared to share your faith in Jesus? Could you use a little encouragement? It's not as hard as you might think.
