Psalm 111 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 111 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
Verse 2Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.
Verse 3Full of honor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever.
Verse 4He has gained renown by his wonderful deeds; the Lord is gracious and merciful.
Verse 5He provides food for those who fear him; he is ever mindful of his covenant.
Verse 6He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the heritage of the nations.
Verse 7The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy.
Verse 8They are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
Verse 9He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name.
Verse 10The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever.
Devotion
Maria is an inspiring mixture of love, joy, honesty, faith and gratitude, despite several years bombarded with pain and suffering. Surgery, chemotherapy, her mother’s death, more surgery, then her young son’s chronic and painful illness, then….you get the picture.
Maria wondered what her song of thankfulness should sound like during this hard time. It didn’t make sense to thank God for the agony. Should she be grateful because God knew she was strong and could endure much? That wasn’t the God of love Maria knew.
Maria discovered her song of gratitude and thanksgiving when she realized that God was her faithful companion through this heartache. God didn’t remove it, but God was there to hold her up and wipe away the tears. That was all she needed, and Maria’s voice became one with the Psalmist, “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart….the Lord is gracious and merciful….the Lord provides.”
Prayer
God of grace and mercy, thank you for sticking with us through our joy and sorrow, sickness and health, doubt and faith. Amen.