Devotion • February 6
Scripture Reading
Psalm 111
Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.
Full of honor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever.
He has gained renown by his wonderful deeds; the Lord is gracious and merciful.
He provides food for those who fear him; he is ever mindful of his covenant.
He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the heritage of the nations.
The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy.
They are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever. (NRSV)
Reflection
Psalms were the poems or prose of the Old Testament, meant to be sung by the faithful, to confirm God’s infinite and unknowable permanence, to joyfully praise God’s power and majesty, to revel in God’s handiwork, and to remind followers to believe and trust in God’s love and steadfastness, whether one is in hardship or bounty.
To rest in God’s sovereignty.
In Psalm 111:1 (New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition), I’m struck by the phrase “in the company of the upright, in the congregation.”
God wants us to worship together. In community, there is support, comfort, and the inspiring presence of the Holy Spirit of God.
Psalm 111:10 says “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever.”
The practice of faith can take a lifetime to perfect. As human beings, with our weaknesses, do we ever achieve perfection? God only asks us to try to have faith.
As Tom Are Jr. concludes each of his sermons, “Gracious God, we believe; help our unbelief” (Mark 9:24).
The practice of faith is a discipline. Psalm 111:10 tells us that giving ourselves over to God gives birth to wisdom and understanding.
The older I get, the more I can concede that which I don’t know. I’m OK with it!
I’ve gained humility.
And I’m awestruck (and strangely) comforted by God’s mysteriousness.
It’s easier (most of the time) for me to turn my burdens over to God and to trust in God’s expansive and enduring love.
Prayer
Holy Creator, I give you thanks and praise for my life in you. Sustain my faith when I struggle, and lead me to be a comfort to others. I joyfully rest in your love. Amen.
Written by Holly O’Mara, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church
Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church
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