Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever; with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations.
Verse 2I declare that your steadfast love is established forever; your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens.
Verse 3You said, "I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to my servant David:
Verse 4'I will establish your descendants forever, and build your throne for all generations.'" Selah
Verse 15Happy are the people who know the festal shout, who walk, O Lord, in the light of your countenance;
Verse 16they exult in your name all day long, and extol your righteousness.
Verse 17For you are the glory of their strength; by your favor our horn is exalted.
Verse 18For our shield belongs to the Lord, our king to the Holy One of Israel.
Devotion
If one only reads these few verses from Psalm 89, one’s only image of God would be that of a faithful, benevolent God. But later in this same psalm, God is also accused of being one who has “rejected, spurned, been angry” and “ renounced the covenant.” Here, God promised to never violate God’s promises, but the psalmist still complains to God, saying, “You have renounced the covenant you made with your servant.” (v. 39)
In their disappointment and confusion, the people wonder if they can even trust God. With David as their anointed king, it would seem like God was already fulfilling promises. So, why would God choose to reverse it all? The problem, we learn, isn’t so much about God’s absence as it is God’s timing. Stan Mast says it this way, “With God, it is never a question of if, but of when. We may be confused and angry about God’s timing, but we should never doubt God’s love and faithfulness.”
Prayer
Faithful God, teach us to trust in you and in your timing. Remind us of the love and the life you gave us at the cross, where you went down into darkness and death. Help us to know that when we are hurting, you go with us in our suffering. Give us hope and patience, knowing you love us. Amen.
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