An Exuberant Hymn of Praise

Text: Psalm 89:1-18

Reflection and Question: As you see, these verses are not the whole psalm, just the first third of Psalm 89. The middle lines poetically lay out God’s promise of eternal kingship for David and his descendants; verses 38-51 pour out sadness at the destruction of Jerusalem, starkly questioning God’s faithfulness. The answer is in the beginning, the joyfully exuberant praise of God. Regardless of circumstance, up or down, “Happy are the people who know the festal shout, who walk, O God, in the light of your countenance.” Whether God’s promises are fulfilled or not, can you sing God’s praises?

Prayer: Lord, where is your steadfast love of old, which by your faithfulness you swore to David? Remember, O Lord, how your servant is taunted; how I bear the insults of the peoples. But I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).