Daily Reading // Psalm 14:1-7
READY // SILENCIO
Take a moment to quiet your mind and prepare your heart for your time with the Lord.
READ // LECTIO
Read the passage above up to three times aloud. Allow yourself to feel the words as they are read.
REFLECT // MEDITATIO
Now direct your focus on the words, phrases concepts or sentences that got your attention. What is God speaking to you today through His word?
Psalm 14:6 You shame the counsel of the poor, But the LORD is his refuge.
People can either be shamed or sheltered. When you shame someone, you expose them. You find a place of vulnerability in them and then show it to the world. You draw attention to the thing they would least like known. Shaming people is a cruel power play usually motivated by the insecurity of the one doing the shaming. My brother used to call me ‘big ears’. Once we actually measured ears and found his ears were actually larger than mine.
God doesn’t shame. God shelters. He is a refuge where vulnerabilities are covered, not exposed. It is not godly to shame others. It is godly to shelter others.
RESPOND // ORATIO
Pray in response to what the Lord has spoken to you.
Jesus, I take refuge in You. I will not be shamed, because You are my shelter. I will not shame others, but will follow Your lead.
Tomorrow’s reading -> Sunday Reflection
Like a dad marching down to the school yard to find the bully who taunted his son or daughter. I'm so glad my refuge is in Him.
NIV says, “You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the Lord is their refuge.” Good for me to remember when I am feeling frustrated to remember the spiritual battle and to let God be my refuge! Thanks so much Jim for your insight..