Psalm 118 (KJV):The Lord is my strength and song, and has become my salvation

From Psalms

Psalm 118

¹O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good:
      because his mercy endureth for ever.

²Let Israel now say,
      that his mercy endureth for ever.
³Let the house of Aaron now say,
      that his mercy endureth for ever.
⁴Let them now that fear the LORD say,
      that his mercy endureth for ever.

⁵I called upon the LORD in distress:
      the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place.
⁶The LORD is on my side; I will not fear:
      what can man do unto me?
⁷The LORD taketh my part with them that help me:
      therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me.

⁸It is better to trust in the LORD
      than to put confidence in man.
⁹It is better to trust in the LORD
      than to put confidence in princes.

¹⁰All nations compassed me about:
      but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them.
¹¹They compassed me about;
      yea, they compassed me about:
      but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.
¹²They compassed me about like bees:
      they are quenched as the fire of thorns:
      for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.

¹³Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall:
      but the LORD helped me.
¹⁴The LORD is my strength and song,
      and is become my salvation.

¹⁵The voice of rejoicing and salvation
      is in the tabernacles of the righteous:
      the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.
¹⁶The right hand of the LORD is exalted:
      the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.

¹⁷I shall not die, but live,
      and declare the works of the LORD.
¹⁸The LORD hath chastened me sore:
      but he hath not given me over unto death.

¹⁹Open to me the gates of righteousness:
      I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD:
²⁰This gate of the LORD,
      into which the righteous shall enter.
²¹I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me,
      and art become my salvation.

²²The stone which the builders refused
      is become the head stone of the corner.
²³This is the LORD's doing;
      it is marvellous in our eyes.
²⁴This is the day which the LORD hath made;
      we will rejoice and be glad in it.

²⁵Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD:
      O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.
²⁶Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD:
      we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.
²⁷God is the LORD,
      which hath shewed us light:
bind the sacrifice with cords,
      even unto the horns of the altar.

²⁸Thou art my God, and I will praise thee:
      thou art my God, I will exalt thee.

²⁹O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good:
      for his mercy endureth for ever.

Some mornings are harder than others.  On those mornings its important to remember that God has his hand on me.  Because I find when I start the day off right, meaning with a good prayer, things seem to fall into place and the distractions which usually lead me to my addictions seem to fall away.  I have to agree with Dietrich Bonhoeffer who said that psalms are best read on your knees in prayer.  In fact, I think he said that's the only way to read them.  However, when I read the psalm 118 though I'm reminded that it can actually be sung (I think this actually from psalm 107 - but the opening line is the same as verse 1).

My point is connecting with God early in the day is very important because it sets the tone for the rest of the day.  It reminds me to be His light.  It reminds me of my covenant with Him and His blessings and gifts for me.  It reminds me no matter how hard, or how confusing, my struggles get I can always call on Him.  That he has saved me when I have called on Him in the past.  That I, like all of us, am one of His children and He will continue to guide me.

In my prayers I pray for not only me, but for anyone who needs His guidance and support.  That we may find Him in the people in our lives, to teach us His way, and to set us free.

Thanks for letting me share.