Today’s Bible Verse:
Psalm 5:11 ESV

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
let them ever sing for joy,
and spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may exult in you.

I was at the cancer center yesterday awaiting my latest radiation treatment when a guy I know sat down next to me. “I have an issue with you mainline Protestants,” said the young man who attends a non-denominational church. “You don’t pray or read the bible enough in church. Your sermons are too short. You sing old songs from a hymnal. Your worship is boring.”

Of course, he threw down the challenge, and I took up the battle. “By the way, you gave me four issues, not one. And you think God cares for your never-ending rhyming songs and people raising their arms and waving them in the air? Do you think God cares about your feelings? Do you believe God likes song bridges and non-stop clapping? No. Read the bible. God wants a contrite and repentant heart.”

Then we looked at one another, laughed, and hugged.

Both of us are going through challenging times. He finds himself falling asleep just after eating dinner at 6 p.m. He thinks his girlfriend hates him since going out on dates is not on his dance card every day. I told him that Katie loves him and only wants to hear his doctor say: “The cancer is gone.”

He and I try to hold fast to God’s Word, where we find His grace, love, and protection ever before us.

Christians cherish the promise of God’s protection and joy in this verse. King David, who penned these words, knew the troubles and enemies surrounding him well. Yet, instead of being overwhelmed, David chose to take refuge in God and found joy even amid difficulties.

Psalm 5:11 reminds us that God is not distant from us in our hardships. David calls God a refuge—a safe place in the storms of life. For us, that refuge is Christ. When we are weary, when the challenges seem relentless, we are invited to run to Him and, in His arms, find gladness. Martin Luther once said, "Faith is a living, daring confidence in God’s grace, so sure and certain that a man could stake his life on it a thousand times." This is the faith David displays in Psalm 5:11.

In our world, focusing on the chaos, uncertainty, or injustice around us is easy. We might search for security in our efforts, possessions, or understanding. Yet, God calls us to find our true joy and protection in Him. When we choose to rest in His promises, we experience joy beyond our circumstances.

What does it mean to “love His name”? In Hebrew culture, a name carries the weight of character and identity. To love God’s name is to know and trust in His nature—His grace, mercy, righteousness, and faithfulness. When we put our trust in His character, we can find the joy that David speaks of. Even in trials, God shields us with His love and faithfulness.

Prayers

A Prayer for Today:

Heavenly Father, thank You for being my refuge and protector. When life feels overwhelming, help me to find joy in Your promises and strength in Your presence. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Luther’s Morning Prayer:

I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.

Apostles’ Creed:

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer:

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

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A Song for Today