Psalm 112:1-9(10) (NRSV)
Read Psalm 112:1-9(10) on biblegateway.com
Verse 1Praise the Lord! Happy are those who fear the Lord, who greatly delight in his commandments.
Verse 2Their descendants will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.
Verse 3Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever.
Verse 4They rise in the darkness as a light for the upright; they are gracious, merciful, and righteous.
Verse 5It is well with those who deal generously and lend, who conduct their affairs with justice.
Verse 6For the righteous will never be moved; they will be remembered forever.
Verse 7They are not afraid of evil tidings; their hearts are firm, secure in the Lord.
Verse 8Their hearts are steady, they will not be afraid; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.
Verse 9They have distributed freely, they have given to the poor; their righteousness endures forever; their horn is exalted in honor.
Verse 10The wicked see it and are angry; they gnash their teeth and melt away; the desire of the wicked comes to nothing.
Devotion
I love books and movies about good versus evil. Especially when good wins out and evil is sent packing. That’s probably why I like Psalm 112 so much. The psalmist is inviting us into the reality of lived faith that focuses on giving oneself for the sake of the other. Not only does this calling provide hope and relief for the poor and oppressed but it also takes care of evil, and sends it packing.
Do you realize the power that you have when you live out the calling God has given you? The psalm today reminds us of that power—power to change lives and power to change the world. When you live a life that tends to the needs of the broken, hurting, alienated and afflicted, God is served and God is found. And, even better, such living strips evil of its power and leaves it with nothing. Nothing at all and it melts away.
Prayer
God of refuge and strength, agitate us to service for the other and a life that embodies your presence among us. Give us energy when we are weary and remind us that you go with us in the work you call us to do. Amen.