Introduction

The people of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Hickman, Neb., have organized a Spirit-Driven Task Force, bringing together almost three dozen members who have committed to a year of study, prayer, reflection, and deliberation to discern how God is calling the congregation to renewal for the sake of his mission.

This is the fifth of a series of weekly reflections with the aim to inspire reflection and encourage conversation among the members of the task force as we journey together in obedience to our Lord’s calling to serve him.

The Rev. Ron Drury, pastor of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, wrote this meditation.

Meditation

“Into your hands I commend my spirit, for you have redeemed me. O LORD, God of truth.”

—Psalm 31:5, Evangelical Lutheran Worship (ELW)

Committing our entire being to GOD in a loving relationship is not just “one” of the important choices we make as followers of JESUS…it is the crucial core of our life in Christ!!! These words are also found quoted by JESUS in Luke 23:46, and were the final prayer of our LORD from The Cross and are the central reality of this 31st Psalm.

JESUS in his life and death found comfort and guidance in the plea of the psalmist. They appear to be just as apropos for us and for all in this Season of Easter as well as anytime throughout the church year. In a similar fashion, the refrain from our “Hymn of the Season” for “The Resurrection of Our LORD” proclaims our deepest need:

“Shepherd me O God, beyond my wants, beyond my fears, from death into life.”

—ELW #780, “Shepherd Me, O God”

Our life is not meant to be stuck in the muck of life, but rather one of being lifted up! If our focus is anywhere but in GOD, we are living a less than an abundant life and are dying.

Each of the refrains quoted above are keys to our living this reality as the “Resurrected people of GOD”!!! Please consider placing one or both of these in your heart for continual reflection. We as the sheep of Shepherd of the Hills daily praying for THE GREAT SHEPHERD to receive, redeem and shepherd each of us and everyone, would powerfully impact our serving as we give our all into GOD’S Hands each day! In making Psalm 31 our own we are immersed into the voice and prayer of JESUS. In a small way we gain a glimpse of JESUS relationship with his/THE Father! Only in JESUS can we pray FATHER!

Please take a moment to read and reflect on all 24 verses of Psalm 31. GOD is also our: Refuge; Deliverer; Righteousness; Listener; Strong Rock; Castle; Crag; Stronghold; Tower of Strength; Redeemer; LORD; Truth; Steadfast Love; Wondrous; Protector; Shelter; Trustworthy; and The Encourager! As you reflect on Psalm 31, please listen for the describing and clarifying words of how GOD desires to reveal divine presence!!!

Please pray with me these words from Psalm 31 and our “Hymn of the Season”.

Prayer

In YOU, O LORD, have I taken refuge; incline your ear to me; Be my strong rock; Into your hands I commend my spirit, for you have redeemed me; Shepherd me O God; My times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me. Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your steadfast love; from death into life – in JESUS! Amen.

SHALOM
Pastor Ron Drury