Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time on and forevermore.”
NL Daily Devotion for Sunday, June 16, 2019
by Dr. Kimberly Leetch, Clergy Stuff
Main Idea: Unabashed joy is a gift from God and for God.
The psalms are a collection of poetry and music that encompass the whole of human experience. From praise to lament, from trust and hope to despair, the psalms put words to humanity’s deepest emotions and experiences.
Over the next four weeks we will explore several of these. First, Psalm 113 praises our God for God’s greatness and faithfulness to us. Next week, Psalm 69 laments the dire situation the psalmist is in, begging God to intervene. Psalm 27 expresses the psalmist’s trust in a faithful God, even amid struggles. Finally, a psalm of faith, Psalm 40 describes the psalmist’s journey through struggle to a new dawn of joy.
Today, Psalm 113 expresses pure bliss. This psalmist has no current struggles, no lament for concerns of the past nor worries for the future. This psalmist is rejoicing in the present, recognizing all the amazing things God has done for God’s people. Not only is God above all things, but God also brings people up to lofty heights. This is celebrating in its most unabashed form.
There will undoubtedly be people in your congregation experiencing this kind of joy, and also people struggling. This psalm has a word for everyone. For those experiencing the fullness of God’s goodness, this psalm connects them with others experiencing the same. By reading this psalm, we know we are not alone in our delight. God has touched many people, and through the psalm people can rejoice together.
For those who are struggling, this psalm reminds them that there have been moments, and will be again, when pure joy can envelop them. It’s a promise that God can and does lift up the struggling.
For supplementary preaching resources, please visit our website access point. (Link: bit.ly/proclaim-it-nl)
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