Devotion • September 14
Today's Scripture
Psalm 112
Praise the Lord! Happy are those who fear the Lord, who greatly delight in his commandments.
Their descendants will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.
Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever.
They rise in the darkness as a light for the upright; they are gracious, merciful, and righteous.
It is well with those who deal generously and lend, who conduct their affairs with justice.
For the righteous will never be moved; they will be remembered forever.
They are not afraid of evil tidings; their hearts are firm, secure in the Lord.
Their hearts are steady, they will not be afraid; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.
They have distributed freely, they have given to the poor; their righteousness endures forever; their horn is exalted in honor.
The wicked see it and are angry; they gnash their teeth and melt away; the desire of the wicked comes to nothing. (NRSV)
Reflection
Admittedly upon first reading Psalm 112, I thought, “Wow, righteous folks get to really have it good. They are blessed, their families are blessed, and they have no fears nor any wants. They are generous, just, and steadfast. There is no way with all my faults I can be in that number!”
Then I read it again, this time with a heart that was a little more open. The psalm doesn’t speak of a person that is perfect, but righteous. It speaks of a person that honors God and all of God’s ways. Then I started to think, “I am that person!”
In all of our shortcomings, it is what is in our hearts and intentions that make us righteous. A righteous person, not a perfect person, is blessed, highly favored, and secure. From Luke 12 it is written “To whom much is given, much will be required,” and on the surface, this seems like an overwhelmingly high expectation, but when layered upon this psalm, we see that when we have a heart for God, it’s not overwhelming at all.
Prayer
Lord, we thank you for your grace and for meeting us where we are, imperfections and all. You promise us that if we come to you with a heart to do what is right you will not only bless our lives and all that we touch but also extend your mercy to generations after us. You promise to protect us, guide us, and embolden us, and we thank you for your abundant blessings and divine expectations of us. Amen.
Written by Michelle Epps, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church
Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church
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