Psalm 67 (NRSV)
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Verse 1May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, Selah
Verse 2that your way may be known upon earth, your saving power among all nations.
Verse 3Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.
Verse 4Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth. Selah
Verse 5Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.
Verse 6The earth has yielded its increase; God, our God, has blessed us.
Verse 7May God continue to bless us; let all the ends of the earth revere him.
Devotion
The urgent hope in verse four encourages the people to be glad and praise the Lord. The verse that precedes it and the one that follows suggest joy and blessing. The reason is simple—that the way of the Lord and his saving power will be received and acknowledged by all the people in every nation.
As we leave the Easter season, we remember that we have received mercy. Instead of harsh judgment, which we really deserve, we are granted forgiveness. I easily recall when I should have gotten what I knew was coming to me. Often, we know we have been disobedient, and again, the Lord has been gracious to us. The Lord gave us new hope. And we are bold enough to ask with the psalmist, may God continue to bless us!
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, we have received your goodness, and we want more, so that we may praise your holy name. Amen.