May the Lord Answer You

Today's Readings
2 Chronicles 17-18 | Romans 9:22-10:13 | Psalm 20 | Proverbs 20:2-3
Tomorrow's Readings

May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble!
May the name of the God of Jacob protect you!
(Psalm 20:1)

The first several lines of this psalm read like a benediction. Verses one through five pray a two-fold blessing of protection and fulfillment: protection in the name of God and out of His sanctuary - that is, God's very presence in the midst of suffering; and instead of suffering, fulfillment of even our heart's desires. Verses six through eight remind us of our confidence, remembering God's faithfulness and power: the words 'now I know' suggest that the psalmist's trust in the Lord is a learned trust - past blessing and deliverance have confirmed faith, and their memory adds to today's confidence; the words 'we trust in the name' once again call attention to God's presence among his people - he is not just an emotional flutter or an intellectual proposition, but a real and present help in our trials. And it is he we call upon to save us: may he answer us when we call.

At first it seemed like a small thing, to pray the Lord's blessing on someone - how many times do we say 'God bless you' without really thinking about it? It's worth asking myself 'what do I mean by this benediction'? It would be a vain pride to only speak it when I meant it in the spirit of this psalm - I'd probably never say the words again! But I pray the Lord would deepen my love and commitment to my brothers and sisters, that I might truth-fully seek not only their blessing from God, but even to be a vessel for the rich outpouring of that blessing.