Psalm 89:1-18: Sing!

This psalm begins with a declaration of intent: its author pledges to sing forever a song proclaiming God's faithfulness.  He then proceeds to offer a sample of what he has in mind.  Read his words, and be impressed, not just by the psalmist's creative prowess but by the sheer joy and enthusiasm his song exude.  This is just what we need to be reading during Lent.

Lent is not often associated with "joy" and "enthusiasm."  There are no upbeat Lenten hymns, nothing you'd want to hear played by a marching band.  Yet "joy" and "enthusiasm" are exactly what the season calls for as we engage in the serious business of reflection, repentance, and renewal -- for the One to whom turn is faithful, steadfast, ready to give us another chance.  The Creator of the Universe wants you, wants me, to get things right.  Think about that.  It's sobering.  But it's also exciting and a cause for celebration.

What we do during Lent counts.  It matters.  To God and to God's people.  Impressive.

Worthy of a song.


1 Your love, O LORD, for ever will I sing; *
from age to age my mouth will proclaim your faithfulness.
2 For I am persuaded that your love is established for ever; *
you have set your faithfulness firmly in the heavens.
3” I have made a covenant with my chosen one; *
I have sworn an oath to David my servant:
4 ‘I will establish your line for ever, *
and preserve your throne for all generations.’”
5 The heavens bear witness to your wonders, O LORD, *
and to your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones;
6 For who in the skies can be compared to the LORD? *
who is like the LORD among the gods?
7 God is much to be feared in the council of the holy ones, *
great and terrible to all those circled around.
8 Who is like you, LORD God of hosts? *
O mighty LORD, your faithfulness is all around you.
9 You rule the raging of the sea *
and still the surging of its waves.
10 You have crushed Rahab of the deep with a deadly wound; *
you have scattered your enemies with your mighty arm.
11 Yours are the heavens; the earth also is yours; *
you laid the foundations of the world and all that is in it.
12 You have made the north and the south; *
Tabor and Hermon rejoice in your Name.
13 You have a mighty arm; *
strong is your hand and high is your right hand.
14 Righteousness and justice are the foundations of your throne; *
love and truth go before your face.
15 Happy are the people who know the festal shout! *
they walk, O LORD, in the light of your presence.
16 They rejoice daily in your Name; *
they are jubilant in your righteousness.
17 For you are the glory of their strength, *
and by your favor our might is exalted.
18 Truly, the LORD is our ruler; *
the Holy One of Israel is our Sovereign.

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