Our scripture this morning is Psalms 18:20-30.
The Lord has dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me. For I have kept the ways of the Lord; I am not guilty of turning from my God. All his laws are before me; I have not turned away from his decrees. I have been blameless before him and have kept myself from sin. The Lord has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight. To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless, to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the devious you show yourself shrewd. You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty. You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.
The end of this passage says God “shields all who take refuge in Him” (v. 30). It tells us that God is waiting to defend us, to offer us His protection against the evil that exists in the world. However, the key is that He is waiting – we must go to Him in order to take refuge.
He is always ready to show us mercy but we must acknowledge that we need it, repenting of the selfish choices we make and asking His forgiveness. We must walk with Him in obedience to His word and will. No other belief or action can save us.
If we accept Jesus and reject the ways of the world, we are led back to the relationship with God for which we were created. This is the eternal connection that seals our salvation. We can’t save ourselves, it is only possible through His love.
Gracious God, we ask Your forgiveness for our failings and Your strength to live in faith going forward. Bless us to be Your servants, sharing the Good News with everyone. Amen.