The Beginning and the End of Psalm 118

Psalm 118 is so rich in wisdom, comfort, and purpose. 

It begins with this truth: “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” And it ends with that same truth 28 verses later. These identical verses “bookend” a wonderful psalm.

In verse 5, the psalmist explains that when we're “hard pressed” or afraid, the Lord can bring us into a “spacious place,” a place filled beyond measure with His love and comfort. 

Whatever we face, the Lord is our Helper (v. 7). 

“It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans” (v. 8). Yes! Let's not waste our time seeking worldly wisdom when we need guidance or comfort. Let's seek God's wisdom.

We must never forget that “the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!” (vv. 15-16). And to confirm that truth, verse 22 offers a prophecy of Jesus, our Savior: “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” *

Perhaps the most beloved verse in Psalm 118 is verse 24, which I like best in the KJV: “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” 

Yes! Today—right now—this is the day the Lord has made, so let's enjoy Him! “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” 

💙💙💙

I love the Psalms! That’s one reason I had such joy writing my book Wisdom for Life. One of my devotions in the book is called “Prophecy, Praise, Principles, and Problem-Solving,” all of which are elements of the Psalms. And there’s one more “p-word” we find in the Psalms as well, but I’ll let you read my book to figure that one out. Or you can go to Lifeway or Amazon and click “Look inside” or "read sample" and read that devotion for free! 

* This prophecy is found in other Old Testament verses plus all of these New Testament passages: Matthew 21:42; Luke 20:17-18; Ephesians 2:20; Romans 9:33; Acts 4:11; 1 Peter 2:6-7.

 

Bible Love Notes