Rook to the Center of the Board

Reading: Psalm 71:1-6
In you, Lord, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me;
turn your ear to me and save me.
Be my rock of refuge,
to which I can always go;
give the command to save me,
for you are my rock and my fortress.
Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked,
from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel.
For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord,
my confidence since my youth.
From birth I have relied on you;
you brought me forth from my mother’s womb.
I will ever praise you.

Reflection:

     I don't think I ever won a game of chess against my brother. He loved the game and I played to stave off boredom. You could tell. Anyway, I did figure out that if I used the castle move, I could slow down my certain death.  It turns out that I was on the right path. The move is so powerful that World Champion Chess player Vladimir Kramnik has proposed a change to the rules in chess, eliminating the option to castle in order to minimize high-level matches ending in a draw. In a castle move, the rook is moved to the center of the board and the king is moved into the corner area behind the row of pawns. I liked the move because the rook was my favorite piece. Getting it out into the middle was a good defensive move, but it also made it more available to send into the battle!

     Of course, this Psalm is describing and picturing more than just a game. God is our shelter, refuge, or bastion in difficult times. The spiritual and emotional reality of God as our fortress cannot be overestimated. Even when we might feel unsafe or have knowingly and rebelliously stepped outside of safety's keep, God does not abandon us. Our loving God is always on our side. How have you experienced this in your life?

Prayer

Sheltering God,

We thank you for your watchfulness over us. We praise you for your vigilance. Keep us mindful of your protection and providence. We are not kept separated from you in some far off place, but you live and dwell among us, your Spirit abides. We sing hallelujahs to your goodness! Empower us and give us courage to share our stories of your guarding and defending. In the Name of Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.