A text – Psalm 111
111:1 Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
111:2 Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them.
111:3 Full of honor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever.
111:4 He has gained renown by his wonderful deeds; the LORD is gracious and merciful.
111:5 He provides food for those who fear him; he is ever mindful of his covenant.
111:6 He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the heritage of the nations.
111:7 The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy.
111:8 They are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
111:9 He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name.
111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever.
A reflection:
A psalm of praise. A psalm of thankfulness. A psalm of joy.
The psalmist and those who sing this psalm are bragging on the Lord, paying tribute to the most magnificent benefactor of all time.
One could imagine a court minstrel coming up with a song like this about his patron, the king or the duke – all of these descriptions could be said about a human benefactor who always honors his or her promises and is generous to a fault (or it could be high flattery to “make points” with the patron, of course).
Do we think the psalmist believes all these praise-filled descriptions of the Lord? Surely there are earthly lords and despots and dictators who needed to be flattered in just this sort of way. People have always heard such flattery used to puff up the ego of an insecure king. But this seems to be genuine praise to the creator God who also loves the creatures of the earth. This God keeps every promise and covenant. Everything God has said from time immemorial has been trustworthy.
Luther said in his explanations to the ten commandments “We are to fear and love God so that we do not…” Fearing God (treating with the utmost respect) and also loving God (living in tender gratitude) gives us wisdom and understanding, according to the psalmist. So if we are ever seeking wisdom and understanding, we should spend some time first appreciating the awe-inspiring God we belong to. Fearing and loving that God will point us in the right direction for wise decisions every time.
A prayer:
Lord God, Thank you for loving us. Thank you for reminding us that you keep your promises and that respecting and loving you put us on the path to wisdom and understanding. Help us to be as faithful and trustworthy with one another as you have been with us. Amen.
Short Dwellings in the Word by Dr. Pat Taylor Ellison 