Human Intrigues

SCRIPTURE: How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those that fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you. In the shelter of your presence you hide them from all human intrigues; in your dwelling you keep them safe from accusing tongues. Psalm 31:19-20 NIV

THOUGHT: Conspiracies. Collusions. Maneuvers. Machinations. Setups. These are a few of the synonyms that get at the heart of what intrigues are. It’s not a word I ever hear used, but I wonder, as I watch and pray, whether it might soon be needed again.

But better than a valuable vocabulary word is God’s antidote to human intrigues and accusing tongues: 1) fear God, 2) take refuge in him, and 3) in the shelter of his presence we can be hidden, safe from both in a way that defies logic and matter. That’s the path I’m seeking every day.

This is the same Psalm that Jesus quotes from the cross: “Into your hands I commit my spirit (v. 5).” And the very next phrase is “redeem me O Lord, the God of truth.” Jesus knew all about human intrigues, but he also knew all about hiding himself in the shelter of his Father’s presence. Many times he evaded the traps set for him — until the time was right for his redemption and ours.

The only way to live fully is to trust God the Father like that.

The promise of David the Psalmist, who also had a lot of expertise in the matter, is that God stores up goodness and then pours it out in the sight of men. Redemption and vindication in one fell swoop. It’s worth fearing, taking refuge in, and trusting the Father for moments like that.

PRAYER: Oh God, I fear you – and I try to fear only you, but I fail so often. Lead me to your refuge and let me watch your redemption. My times are in your hands (v. 15) and into those same hands I commit my spirit.