Devotion • February 4
Scripture Reading
Psalm 147:12–20
Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion!
For he strengthens the bars of your gates; he blesses your children within you.
He grants peace within your borders; he fills you with the finest of wheat.
He sends out his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly.
He gives snow like wool; he scatters frost like ashes.
He hurls down hail like crumbs— who can stand before his cold?
He sends out his word, and melts them; he makes his wind blow, and the waters flow.
He declares his word to Jacob, his statutes and ordinances to Israel.
He has not dealt thus with any other nation; they do not know his ordinances. Praise the Lord! (NRSV)
Reflection
Our reading of verses 12 through 20 in Psalm 147 begins and ends with telling us to praise the Lord. In this psalm, I am being called to recognize and appreciate God’s ongoing love, care, and sovereignty in my life. I am encouraged to be thankful for the blessings I receive and to turn to God’s word for comfort and guidance. I am invited to live with faith, deep gratitude, and dependence on God through all the complexities of my life.
How do I need to respond in my daily life? I need to daily reflect on God’s authority over nature and my life. I need to give up trying to control everything and be grateful that I can trust in God’s care and guidance. In my prayer life, I need to seek God’s continued guidance and express my commitment to living with faith and gratitude.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, I am grateful for your constant care, blessings, and sovereignty over my life. Help me trust in your guidance and live with faith and gratitude. May your Word be a lamp to my feet, and may I walk in obedience to your will. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Written by Linda Gibboney, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church
Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church
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