Psalm 112 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 112 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1Praise the Lord! Happy are those who fear the Lord, who greatly delight in his commandments.
Verse 2Their descendants will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.
Verse 3Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever.
Verse 4They rise in the darkness as a light for the upright; they are gracious, merciful, and righteous.
Verse 5It is well with those who deal generously and lend, who conduct their affairs with justice.
Verse 6For the righteous will never be moved; they will be remembered forever.
Verse 7They are not afraid of evil tidings; their hearts are firm, secure in the Lord.
Verse 8Their hearts are steady, they will not be afraid; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.
Verse 9They have distributed freely, they have given to the poor; their righteousness endures forever; their horn is exalted in honor.
Verse 10The wicked see it and are angry; they gnash their teeth and melt away; the desire of the wicked comes to nothing.
Devotion
This psalm spins our praise and prayer between two words: rooted and generous. I think of the quip that says there are two things parents give their children: roots and wings. The first focus of the psalm is to be anchored firmly in God's promise, to delight in God and God’s words (verse 1). This is a picture of hearts held by God's power. They are steady and firm, secure even in the presence of evil (verses 7-8).
Then the psalmist turns our reflection to the power of generosity. God's gifts are given so that sturdy disciples have the strength and concern to get up in the night for those who need help (verse 4), and to give themselves and what they have eagerly (verses 5, 9). Here again are two great ironies of Christian faith: being rooted in God sets us free to give—and the more love is given the more the lover is full.
Prayer
God hold us firmly in your promise that we are free to give generously. Amen.