Psalm 33:12-22 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 33:12-22 on biblegateway.com
Verse 12Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage.
Verse 13The Lord looks down from heaven; he sees all humankind.
Verse 14From where he sits enthroned he watches all the inhabitants of the earth-
Verse 15he who fashions the hearts of them all, and observes all their deeds.
Verse 16A king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength.
Verse 17The war horse is a vain hope for victory, and by its great might it cannot save.
Verse 18Truly the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love,
Verse 19to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.
Verse 20Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and shield.
Verse 21Our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name.
Verse 22Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.
Devotion
The greatness and goodness of God are proclaimed in this Psalm. God’s word, always central to our worship and praise of the Lord, speaks of the creating, teaching and saving action of our God. These actions are not just for individuals; they are for nations as well. A wise nation understands this.
The Lord watches all, the Psalmist says, and no action is missed. Does this mean we are to act properly because we are being observed? Maybe. Children can be reminded that parents have eyes in the back of their heads, but intimidation does not always lead to behavioral change. That happens on a global stage also. The wiser choice is to rely on the steadfast love of the Lord. Trust his holy name and be glad!
Prayer
Lord of Love, you are the source of every blessing and you watch over us constantly. Turn us from destruction as well as falsehood and anchor us in your never-failing love. Protect us and the nations of the world you have created, for our hope is in you. Amen.