Psalm 111 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 111 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
God is a God of integrity. As our psalm points out, we know who God is by remembering what God has done. God follows through and makes good on God's word. We trust God because we know God to be trustworthy. God has been trustworthy in the past; we know because we remember what God has done. We can trust a promising God because we can see God keeping promises.
Just as we know God by watching, studying, and remembering God's actions—we must remember that we identify whose we are to others by our actions as well. Our deeds matter. What will they reflect? Do our deeds reflect a loving God, worthy of trust? As the old song says—do they know we are Christians by our love?
Prayer
Great God, we remember all you have done for us. We know you have been good and trustworthy, full of integrity, and you make good on your promises. May we reflect your integrity and your love this day. Amen.