Psalm 145:8-14 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 145:8-14 on biblegateway.com
Verse 8The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
Verse 9The Lord is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made.
Verse 10All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and all your faithful shall bless you.
Verse 11They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom, and tell of your power,
Verse 12to make known to all people your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Verse 13Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. The Lord is faithful in all his words, and gracious in all his deeds.
Verse 14The Lord upholds all who are falling, and raises up all who are bowed down.
Devotion
The Psalmist declares, “All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord…the Lord is faithful in all his words!” It can be hard for us to see God’s faithfulness and to give thanks. So often we fail to notice how many simple things reveal God’s glory and fulfillment of promises.
In Southeast Wisconsin my garden is beginning to overflow with fruits of the season -- lettuce, zucchini, and radishes -- seeds planted in a basement while snow covered the ground, planted in hope and with promise of warmer days and abundant rain. They are living promises of God’s provision and abundance, promises fulfilled.
As we gather around the table this week will we recognize the gifts of God’s kingdom around us in the daily bread provided there? Will we see in that abundance God’s promises being fulfilled and work to ensure all will have enough to eat?
Prayer
Abundant God, we give you thanks for your continual provision for us and all creation. Stir up your Spirit in us, that we might recognize these gifts, be thankful for them and share your abundance. In Jesus' name, Amen.