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.
We go to the Psalms to find words for how we feel – sometimes in times of rejoicing, and sometimes in times of sorrow. Psalms also has words for times of national calamity. In Psalm 60 we read, 'You have made the land tremble, and you have cut it open; now heal its wounds, because it is falling apart. You have made your people suffer greatly; we stagger around as though we were drunk' (verses 2–3).
It's hard to read such words without thinking of the times we're in because of the coronavirus. In ancient Israel such catastrophes – plagues, invasions, famines – were often seen as God's judgements for sin. We're rightly wary of making such direct connections in our own time. But this psalm is not just a cry of pain. It's an expression of hope and confidence in God: it says that he is mighty to save. 'With God on our side we will win; he will defeat our enemies' (verse 12).
So Psalm 60 and Psalm 61 that follows it are ones that we can turn to in whatever distress we find ourselves. They speak of God's power and call on his aid. They remind us that no matter what darkness surrounds us, God cares for us and defends us.
God, thank you for your care for me even in the darkest times. Help me to turn to you for comfort and strength when I need it, knowing that you are stronger than any enemy.
This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor
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