Psalm 36:5-10 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 36:5-10 on biblegateway.com
Verse 5Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.
Verse 6Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your judgments are like the great deep; you save humans and animals alike, O Lord.
Verse 7How precious is your steadfast love, O God! All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
Verse 8They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights.
Verse 9For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.
Verse 10O continue your steadfast love to those who know you, and your salvation to the upright of heart!
Devotion
There has been drought here for three summers. The prairies are brown; the water holes are dry. We pray for rain and heavy snows. When it does rain, the change in the scenery is dramatic. There is green all around, wildflowers bloom, the cattle perk up and my farm neighbors walk with a lighter step. I live in a place where people know about the life-giving power of water.
The Psalmist describes God’s blessing as a “river of delights” and the “fountain of life.” The Psalmist equates receiving this water as a sign of God’s steadfast love and salvation. In this season of Epiphany, we are reminded of the life-giving power of water – the water of baptism. This water, this fountain of life, is a sign of God’s love and salvation. It cleanses and restores; it brings new life and the promise of life eternal.
Prayer
Holy God, “continue your steadfast love to those who know you and your salvation to the upright of heart.” (Psalm 36:10) Amen.