Introduction

Psalm 92: This psalm is a song written for use on the Sabbath, the day set apart for rest and worship (Exodus 20:8–11; Deuteronomy 5:12–15). It celebrates God’s goodness and righteousness.

Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 92:1

How good it is to give thanks to you, O LORD, to sing in your honor, O Most High God.

Reading

92 How good it is to give thanks to you, O Lord,
to sing in your honor, O Most High God,
2 to proclaim your constant love every morning
and your faithfulness every night,
3 with the music of stringed instruments
and with melody on the harp.
4 Your mighty deeds, O Lord, make me glad;
because of what you have done, I sing for joy.

5 How great are your actions, Lord!
How deep are your thoughts!
6 This is something a fool cannot know;
someone who is stupid cannot understand:
7 the wicked may grow like weeds,
those who do wrong may prosper;
yet they will be totally destroyed,
8     because you, Lord, are supreme forever.

9 We know that your enemies will die,
and all the wicked will be defeated.
10 You have made me as strong as a wild ox;
you have blessed me with happiness.
11 I have seen the defeat of my enemies
and heard the cries of the wicked.

12 The righteous will flourish like palm trees;
they will grow like the cedars of Lebanon.
13 They are like trees planted in the house of the Lord,
that flourish in the Temple of our God,
14     that still bear fruit in old age
and are always green and strong.
15 This shows that the Lord is just,
that there is no wrong in my protector.

Reflect

This song of praise is also written in the wisdom tradition. Reread verses 5–8 and 12–15. How are the wicked described? What is their fate? How are the righteous described? What is your understanding of what it means to “flourish”? What does verse 15 affirm? Many of the psalms were intended to be sung as part of the worship in the Temple in Jerusalem. How are psalms used in your community of faith?

Pray

Most High God, I proclaim your constant love every morning and your faithfulness every night. With you, O God, I seek to flourish like a palm tree, rooted in you and growing strong in faith. I sing your praises, and with a thankful heart I declare your goodness to me. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Psalm 93: A psalm celebrating the majesty of God’s rule.