Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, prepare me to receive your word. Clear my mind and warm my heart. Assure me of your loving purposes for me, and speak into my life today.
In 1999, film director Baz Lurhmann topped the charts with 'Everybody’s free to wear sunscreen': a spoken word performance, setting Mary Schmich’s article to music. The article, a mock graduation speech, is addressed to the 'Ladies and gentlemen of the class of '97' and is full of life advice – not least, 'wear sunscreen'.
It’s not an unhelpful reference point for today's psalm. If you’re used to the praise of songs like Psalm 95 or the heart cry of laments like Psalm 22, Psalm 49 might sound like a bit of an anomaly. Psalm 49 doesn’t seem to address God but rather other people, in fact, ‘all inhabitants of the world’ (verse 1)! That’s because it’s one of our 'wisdom' psalms, and you might have spotted a few others in your reading so far.
Today's psalm wants to remind us that you can’t put your trust in money – especially good to remember at times like these. Whether your finances have been thrown into question by job loss or furlough, or you find yourself more comfortable, with fewer outgoings and no change to your income, the wisdom from the psalmist is the same: this isn't a time to put your trust in money. There is only one reliable place to put our trust and that’s God.
Lord, where seeing bank balances or possessions fuels my insecurity or my pride, help me not to be tempted to think money has the answers I need but to know the joy of trusting you.
This reflection was written by Helen Crawford, Bible Society's Digital Bible Experience Manager
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