October 11 – Psalm 118
Main Focus: Making gratitude a habit
Psalm 118 calls on all of God’s people to praise the Lord for his steadfast love, and then moves to what seems to be a personal testimony of God’s rescue from distress, and then to a liturgical occasion at the Lord’s house.
The opening section calls on the congregation to give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. Each group among the people should recite this marvelous truth: God’s steadfast love endures forever. The “personal testimony” part of the psalm begins by recounting an instance in which he called on the LORD and the LORD answered and set him free. God’s answer shows that he is on his side and ensures that he shall look in triumph on those who hate him (who brought about the psalmist’s distress).
Verses 8-9 tells us of the the experiences of God’s help show us that it is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man, particularly in princes. The deliverance of vv.10-13 leads to celebration in the camp of God’s people. The experience of deliverance, and the security that the faithful have in God, lead to the reflection, I shall not die, but I shall live. The next line also clarifies for each member of the congregation why God would extend life: that I might recount the deeds of the LORD. The situations of danger were not God’s rejection of the singer but his severe discipline, aiming to bring the singer to see more clearly that in him the singer is secure.
The next section (vv.19-27) seems to picture the singers in a liturgical procession, approaching the gates that lead into the temple court in order to give thanks to the LORD. The righteous refers to God’s own people, especially the faithful, who keep those laws. become my salvation.
vv.22-23 uses an image from ancient building practices (perhaps suggested by the newly built temple itself). The cornerstone is probably the large stone at the corner of the building’s foundation, though some think it is the keystone or capstone of an arch . The builders are wise and knowledgeable, and they have rejected some particular stone as unsuited for this purpose. They were wrong in their judgment. The psalm is likening Israel (and perhaps particularly the person who had suffered) to such a stone; the imperial powers had thought little of Israel, but God had chosen his people to be the cornerstone of his great plan for the world. This is the LORD’s doing.
Discussion questions
– The phrase “His steadfast love endures forever” is repeated four times right at the beginning. Why do you think the psalmist calls on three distinct groups—Israel, the house of Aaron, and those who fear the Lord—to declare this?
– How does starting your prayers by focusing strictly on who God is shift your perspective before you ask for what you need?
– Verse 8 is often cited as the literal center verse of the entire Bible: “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to put confidence in man.” Why do our hearts naturally struggle with this, often looking for security in human “princes” (like modern financial systems, career stability, or relationships) rather than God?
– In verses 17–18, the writer states, “The Lord has disciplined me severely, but he has not given me over to death.”How do you differentiate between suffering that acts as preparation/discipline and suffering that feels like a lack of God’s presence?
– Verse 24 says “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Given that the original context of this verse is about enduring severe trials and ultimate rescue, how does this shift how we use this phrase on an ordinary or difficult day?
– The psalm closes exactly how it opens: “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.” What practical step can you take this week to ensure your days start and finish with thanks, regardless of what happens in between?