Daily Devotion

Saturday, January 17, 2026  

Today's Scripture
Psalm 138

I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise;

I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness; for you have exalted your name and your word above everything.

On the day I called, you answered me, you increased my strength of soul.

All the kings of the earth shall praise you, O Lord, for they have heard the words of your mouth.

They shall sing of the ways of the Lord, for great is the glory of the Lord.

For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly; but the haughty he perceives from far away.

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve me against the wrath of my enemies; you stretch out your hand, and your right hand delivers me.

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands. (NRSV)

One thing I love about the Psalms is that they apply in both good and bad situations. When things are going well? This is a psalm of thanksgiving and praise, yay!

When things aren’t going so well, it’s a reminder. It’s a reminder to stand firm in what we know. That God is with us. That God’s justice cannot be escaped. That even though it may feel so far away, there will be a point when the rulers, the oligarchs, the oppressors of the world, shall praise God.

It’s not always easy to feel that. The world so often feels like it’s spinning out of control, and we’re powerless to stop the tides of division and hate.

But we’re not. I find a sense of peace from just re-reading these verses, emphatically stating them in my own head. A small act of repetition so that I don’t forget, so that I remind myself of God’s goodness, kindness, and mercy.  

Prayer

Written by Jared Light, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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