Psalm 118:1-9
Worshipers recited Psalm 118 as they entered the temple for Passover. The psalm tells of God’s deliverance and their exile. Current congregations also use it. The leader calls out, “Let Israel say,” and the people respond, “His steadfast love endures forever” (v. 2). The minister proclaims, “Let the house of Aaron say,” and the people respond, “His steadfast love endures forever” (v. 3). The minister affirms, “Let those who fear the LORD say,” and the people respond, “His steadfast love endures forever” (v. 4).
Worshipers grow more confident in their faith when they experience this psalm’s power. Before it became a worship litany, its words were the quiet chant that brought courage in a crisis. The LORD’s steadfast love endures forever. When facing opposition, God’s people learned to say, The LORD’s steadfast love endures forever, and found their anchor in overwhelming circumstances. The LORD’s steadfast love endures forever. When we repeat those words enough, and live into them, we find ourselves echoing the psalmist’s confidence, What can mortals do to me? (v. 6).
Many think Psalm 118 inspired Paul to write, “If God is for us, who is against us?” (Rom 8:31) and, “Death, where is your sting? Grave, where is your victory?” (1 Cor 15:55, paraphrase). On hard days, faithful courage stammers, The LORD’s steadfast love endures forever. This is the message of Easter.
Consider
When have the words “The LORD’s steadfast love endures forever” been on your lips? How do you live into those words?
Pray
God of deliverance, despite our fears and faults, despite our anxiety and short sightedness, we want to believe in whatever way we can that your steadfast love endures forever. Help us even in our unbelief to stammer those faithfully confident words, “The LORD’s steadfast love endures forever.” Amen.