Scripture: Psalm 89: 1-4, 19-26 (NRSV)
DEVOTIONAL:
In these verses, I am struck once again by how God works with and through ordinary people, and how these important stories must be told and retold. In doing so, the retelling becomes a form of praise and adoration of the Creator and Sustainer.
The psalmist, Ethan the Ezrahite, writes about how God directs faithful love to David as a way of strengthening him. In turn, David, as imperfect as they come, acted in courage and power in miraculous ways.
In the years that I worked in Tanzania, I had opportunity to work alongside some David-like characters. Imperfect people who opened themselves up to the faithful love of God and were empowered to do miraculous work. A woman in her 30s with a fifth grade education and living with HIV worked tirelessly to develop a community-based orphan support program where the majority of people live on less than $2 a day. Another woman living with HIV and open about her health status took the courageous step to face the district council, reveal and condemn the misuse of HIV/AIDS funding within district health services.
How can I tell and retell these stories, how can I draw strength from the stories and from God’s faithfulness and love today? When I think of these women, my inner spirit is filled with a joyful energy, and I can join in with verses 1-4, I can tell the stories for generations and sing of God’s faithful love. I can stand firm and tell everyone that God’s love stands firm forever, among all of us imperfect ones.
Scripture: Psalm 89: 1-4, 19-26 (NRSV)
I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever; with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations.
2I declare that your steadfast love is established forever; your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens.
3You said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to my servant David:
4‘I will establish your descendants forever, and build your throne for all generations.’” Selah
19Then you spoke in a vision to your faithful one, and said: “I have set the crown on one who is mighty, I have exalted one chosen from the people.
20I have found my servant David; with my holy oil I have anointed him;
21my hand shall always remain with him; my arm also shall strengthen him.
22The enemy shall not outwit him, the wicked shall not humble him.
23I will crush his foes before him and strike down those who hate him.
24My faithfulness and steadfast love shall be with him; and in my name his horn shall be exalted.
25I will set his hand on the sea and his right hand on the rivers.
26He shall cry to me, ‘You are my Father, my God, and the Rock of my salvation!’