In the Lord I take refuge;
how can you say to me: ‘Flee like a bird to the mountains’?
Psalm 11:1
Reflection: These lovely creatures are gathering moisture from a dirt road that crosses the AT. They are vulnerable, not much interested in fleeing from predators, jeeps and inattentive backpackers, because they have more important things to do. Advised to flee the surrounding oppression and violence, the psalmist instead has decided to remain and practice goodness or “righteous deeds” while trusting in God’s loving presence and ultimate justice. It’s good to be safe, of course, and it is imperative as people of God to advocate for safe places for the vulnerable to be. But in doing the right thing, in sharing goodness, in advocating justice, in doing what Christ calls us to do, we are likely to find ourselves in vulnerable positions with voices around us urging us to quit (as in the film “Spotlight”). May God strengthen all who remain in risky situations in order to provide safety, justice and advocacy for others. Do you know anyone like this? Pray for them this day; if possible, let them know of your appreciation and prayers.
Suggestions:
1. Take this verse with you and ponder its meaning for you throughout the day. What do you notice? What do you wonder? (Clicking on photo enlarges it.) Can you think of a time when doing what God called you to do meant opening yourself to risk?
2. Or read all of Psalm 11 to discover how this verse fits into the psalm.
3. Or comment with a photo of your own that illustrates this verse’s meaning for you.
Tomorrow’s verse: Psalm 12:6
Starting January 1, 2016, for 150 days I am posting a daily psalm verse with a photo that is a visual meditation on the text for me. Each day a verse from the next psalm is chosen until all 150 psalms have been featured. To participate you may subscribe to my blog at https://elainedent.net or “friend” me on Facebook and watch for the daily links to blog posts. Disclaimer: I am not a photographer and most of the photos are from a cell phone or small camera while hiking the Appalachian Trail or the C&O Canal/Great Allegheny Passage Trail.
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