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
If you were to eavesdrop on a conversation among sports fans, you might hear one superlative after another. Your favorite team is the best. Their accomplishments will stand forever. Your favorite player is the fastest, the most agile, truly the greatest of all time. When the psalmist here praises God, there is also one strong statement after another: God is great; God’s work is marked by majesty and splendor; God has shown the power of God’s works, and they will stand forever.
But there’s one notable difference between the praise we give to sports heroes and the praise that the psalmist directs toward God. Woven in with the praise of God’s power and might is the recognition that God chooses to be connected in a relationship with each of us, despite our weakness. God is praised for being gracious and full of compassion. God is praised for sending redemption to us, God’s people. God is praised for always remembering God’s covenant promises to us.
Prayer
God of power and love, we praise you for your might and majesty. We praise you equally for what seems like the unlikeliest of miracles, that you choose to show your grace and love to us. Amen.