Psalm 118:1-9 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 118:1-9 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever!
Verse 2Let Israel say, "His steadfast love endures forever."
Verse 3Let the house of Aaron say, "His steadfast love endures forever."
Verse 4Let those who fear the Lord say, "His steadfast love endures forever."
Verse 5Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me in a broad place.
Verse 6With the Lord on my side I do not fear. What can mortals do to me?
Verse 7The Lord is on my side to help me; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.
Verse 8It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to put confidence in mortals.
Verse 9It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.
Devotion
The psalmist calls out to the Lord in his distress, giving thanks to the Lord for God’s steadfast love. How strange this prayer seems. When I am in distress (or even stressed) my prayers tend more toward demanding something from God. Being able to give thanks (itself a gift!) helps me to focus less on myself and a bit more on God and what God is doing. At Christmas we remember that God on our side is not a guarantee for victory, but is the presence of God-with-us, whose steadfast love endures forever.
Prayer
God who gives, why do I put my trust in things that are not you? Help me to give thanks for your abundant gifts, and to trust instead in your steadfast love. Amen.