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
Adaptive Leadership guru Ron Heifetz stresses the importance of leaders obtaining a broader understanding by moving from what is readily apparent and "moving up to the balcony" to obtain a bigger, more comprehensive picture of what is really going on.
I remember a cloudless summer day when I climbed Wyoming's Cloudy Peak and took in the geographical expanse I could not have beheld from the base of the mountain. I remember the awe of looking down upon jet contrails instead of craning my eyes upward.
Likewise, the psalmist invites us to "go up into the heavens" to better appreciate the scope of God's creative intent and to place our entire trust and hope in God. Forget the powers, principalities, "isms," and material possessions in which humans too often attempt to root their trust, hopes, and future. Rather, trust alone in God's steadfast love, gift of life, and power even over death. One who does this will not be disappointed and will experience true joy.
Prayer
Dear God, I am so glad you have your eye on me and are aware of my weakness and need. Thank you for your ever-constant care and unbridled forgiveness. I offer my trust and faith to you, gracious God. Amen.