Psalm 147:1-11
How good it is to sing our praises to God…His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of the warrior; the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.
Devotion
Our world values strength and is consistently in awe – or in search of – the biggest and strongest. In Psalm 147:1-11, we learn that’s not necessary because “the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.”
For a long time (and maybe I can admit here that I still feel confused), fearing God didn’t make sense to me. Why are you told to fear the Lord who is supposed to protect, guide, and love you? I realize now that “fear” means to understand God’s power in your life and to turn yourself over to him – so that he can make you feel safe. Trust in him. He will be there for you.
So in many ways, it seems that it really is strength that the Lord delights in, but it’s the strength that it takes to trust and to have faith, rather than your physical abilities or power in society.
I started writing this devotion because I loved the introduction: “How good it is to sing our praises to God.” I love to sing in church, at home, in the car – no matter how it sounds. But it was the conclusion that ended up capturing me: that strength is so much more than muscles and power. It’s faith.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that we all have the strength to find you, particularly in these very trying times. In your name we pray, Amen.
Deirdre Murphy Ramsey