May 19th, 2025

Today is May 19th.

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Todays reading is from Psalm 49.

"People, despite their wealth, do not endure; they are like the beasts that perish.
13 This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings. 14 They are like sheep and are destined to die; death will be their shepherd (but the upright will prevail over them in the morning). Their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions. 15 But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself. 16 Do not be overawed when others grow rich, when the splendor of their houses increases; 17 for they will take nothing with them when they die, their splendor will not descend with them. 18 Though while they live they count themselves blessed— and people praise you when you prosper— 19 they will join those who have gone before them, who will never again see the light of life."

Over and over again, the scriptures warn us to not put our hope in wealth. To not envy those who are in places of power or prestige. They remind us over and over again that the mighty will be humbled and the humble will be exalted. Think for a moment about yourself—do you find that you compare yourself with those who are better off? Those who have a better position than you, or more money?
Do you wish that you have what they have?

The psalmist reminds us that the comforts of this world are fleeting. That our life is but a breath. Here today and gone tomorrow. And instead of trusting in the things of this world, we are to put our trust and hope in God. As you hear the passage again, can you re-center your hope on the reality of God rather than fleeting things?

"People, despite their wealth, do not endure; they are like the beasts that perish.
13 This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings. 14 They are like sheep and are destined to die; death will be their shepherd (but the upright will prevail over them in the morning). Their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions. 15 But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself. 16 Do not be overawed when others grow rich, when the splendor of their houses increases; 17 for they will take nothing with them when they die, their splendor will not descend with them. 18 Though while they live they count themselves blessed— and people praise you when you prosper— 19 they will join those who have gone before them, who will never again see the light of life."


But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself. The psalmist wants us to put our sure hope in God’s power to raise us up and redeem our lives. As we close our time of prayer, take a moment and thank him for his saving power in your life.

Music Credit:
Saved - Vineyard Worship/Samuel Lane (YouTube)