For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.1
Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holiness of your temple!2
During Joshua’s time, the angel of the LORD reiterated to the Israelites God’s covenant with them, ‘I will never break my covenant with you, and you shall make no covenant with the inhabitants of this land, you shall break down their altars.’ But they disobeyed. So the inhabitants became a problem for them, and their gods a snare.3 And the people served the LORD all the day of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great work that the LORD had done for Israel.4 And all that generation also were gathered to their fathers. And there arose another generation after them who did not know the LORD or the work that he had done for Israel.5 How was this possible? What happened? Why?
Indeed the fruit of salvation is good works.6 Some strive to do good works; yet neglect to confess God. How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching.7 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.8
Whoever brings blessings will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.9 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise.10 May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you! May those who love your salvation say evermore, “God is great!”11 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.12
My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.13 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.14 Emulate Ezra—For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules to Israel.15 Or the Bereans—they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Many of them therefore believed with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men.16
Come and see what God has done: he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man.17 Come and hear all you who fear the God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul.18
Be to me a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come; you have given the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.19 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.20
Notes:
1. Psalm 62:1-2
2. Psalm 65:4
3. Judges 2:1-3
4. Judges 2:7
5. Judges 2:10
6. Ephesians 2:10
7. Romans 10:14
8. Romans 10:17
9. Proverbs 11:25
10. Proverbs 11:30
11. Psalm 70:4
12. Psalm 62:8
13. Proverbs 3:1-2
14. Proverbs 3:5-6
15, Ezra 7:10
16. Acts 17:11-12
17. Psalm 66:5
18. Psalm 66:16
19. Psalm 71:3
20. Romans 11:36
