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
I trudged at midnight to one of our nation's most expensive outhouses. A destination for day-hikers and a pause for climbers, Camp Muir perches at 10,188 feet on the shoulder of Washington State's 14,410 feet Mt. Rainier. Head aching with altitude, clothes layered thick against mid-July wind-chill, I looked over miles of moonlit wilderness and up to the looming peak. I knew: "We aren't supposed to BE HERE! This place is not meant for us." Yet I praise the God of the mountain, covenant thunder of Sinai, impassive ice of Rainier. I love that even a "small" mountain brings me to my knees. I know this truth: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom."
Prayer
We praise you, God, for your gracious and merciful works, your faithful protection and provision: “Holy and awesome is your name!” Show us your power and your love, that we might fear and love you above all. Amen.