Psalm 86:11-17 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 86:11-17 on biblegateway.com
Verse 11Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart to revere your name.
Verse 12I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever.
Verse 13For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.
Verse 14O God, the insolent rise up against me; a band of ruffians seeks my life, and they do not set you before them.
Verse 15But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
Verse 16Turn to me and be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant; save the child of your serving girl.
Verse 17Show me a sign of your favor, so that those who hate me may see it and be put to shame, because you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.
Devotion
Without question, my favorite word in the Old Testament is the Hebrew word, chesed—steadfast love. It shows up in this week’s reading from the Psalms when the psalmist declares, “I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.” (verses 12-13). The psalmist has a share in troubles—threats, neediness, possibly even physical or spiritual death. And yet, because of the Lord’s “steadfast love,” wholehearted thanksgiving abounds. There are a variety of translations of chesed including steadfast love, mercy, lovingkindness, loyalty, favor, devotion, goodness, and love, just to name a few. No matter what troubles you face today, the wideness of God’s steadfast love embraces and heals them all.
Prayer
Compassionate Lord, give us strength to meet the days ahead with confidence, knowing that you are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. Amen.