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 do a word search on words from Psalm 111—upright, delight, endures forever, gracious and merciful, ever mindful, trustworthy, faithful and upright—and find pointers to a holy and awesome God whose Name and respect is the beginning of wisdom. But in my central city private practice, or inside six California prisons and a forensic hospital, the word search from Psalm 111 comes off as hostile rather than hospitable. However, beneath the wings of heaven, respect for people as they struggle for independence, gives people an encounter with someone who depends on the alien righteousness in Christ Jesus, thus living in order to forgive. The result may be wisdom, thankfulness, and praise. You can worship the living Christ wherever you go, whatever you are given to do.
Prayer
O Righteous One, we pray for your righteousness into which we were baptized, for which though alien, we remain ever hopeful. Thank you, Christ Jesus! Amen.
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