Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever; with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations.
Verse 2I declare that your steadfast love is established forever; your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens.
Verse 3You said, "I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to my servant David:
Verse 4'I will establish your descendants forever, and build your throne for all generations.'" Selah
Verse 15Happy are the people who know the festal shout, who walk, O Lord, in the light of your countenance;
Verse 16they exult in your name all day long, and extol your righteousness.
Verse 17For you are the glory of their strength; by your favor our horn is exalted.
Verse 18For our shield belongs to the Lord, our king to the Holy One of Israel.
Devotion
We live in conflicting times—sometimes even within our lives. Our reading from Psalm 89 begins with praise for God’s faithfulness and steadfast love that weaves its way throughout the psalm. But the portion of the psalm not included will end in cries of lament for the crushing of the Lord’s anointed and the withdrawing of God’s covenant. How does grace lead us, pull us through the tough times of conflict? Maybe singing God’s praise for God’s faithfulness and steadfast love is a reminder even in the midst of difficult, horrible times, even when we turn to lament, to crying out to God about the troubles and pain of our situation. Even then we trust that the thread of God’s steadfast love will hold us. Our hope is that we are held by God even if only by a thread.
Prayer
God of grace, even held only by a thread you hold us securely. Remind us of your goodness and lead us to share that trust in you with a hurting world. In Jesus name. Amen.