Psalm 111:1-10 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 111:1-10 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
Two recent courses have vastly expanded the universe for me. How high is the sky? How far are the most distant galaxies? Are there perhaps some beyond those we can see? Science surely may expand our knowledge. What does it do to our faith? We confess the words of an ancient person who had no telescope. We expand that person’s view of the physical but not spiritual world.
The Creator whom we praise is even greater than the psalmist knew. From way out there to microscopic spaces here, one divine person is involved in everything. God provides food for amoeba and elephants, keeps covenant with one generation after another. We are not wise if all we know is what science can teach us. True wisdom is to stand in awe and also to trust the One who makes an everlasting covenant with us.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for showing us your mighty power and yet for not making robots of us. We gladly serve you and our neighbor. Amen.