1 Everyone who honors the Lord,
who walks in God’s ways, is truly happy!
2 You will definitely enjoy what you’ve worked hard for—
you’ll be happy; and things will go well for you.
3 In your house, your wife will be like a vine full of fruit.
All around your table, your children will be like olive trees, freshly planted.
4 That’s how it goes for anyone who honors the Lord:
they will be blessed!
5 May the Lord bless you from Zion.
May you experience Jerusalem’s goodness your whole life long.
6 And may you see your grandchildren.
Peace be on Israel!
Reflection
This scripture feels like an appropriate way to end our week. At last Sunday’s service Joy was introduced as a focus and today this psalm suggests that simple joys, combined with respect for God, are a good formula for life. The psalm is in the form of a blessing for travelers coming to Jerusalem to attend one of three annual festivals held each year.
Each verse describes how the Lord blesses the person who loves and respects God. Their work is blessed and brings well-being. In verse three vines and olive plants are often paired as they were especially long lived and produced the wine and the oil that were central in the lives of the people living in and around Jerusalem before Christ’s time.
Verses 5 and 6 are a benediction spoken for the traveler expressing the scope of true blessedness. The godly will enjoy security in their relationship with God and a wish for harmony in the nation is offered.
by Clarence Beverage
For Pondering & Prayer
This psalm speaks of people who revere God and because of that desire to travel to a special service each year to connect and rejuvenate. Here in the 21st century, how do you stay connected with God? Is there something you feel called to do but haven’t quite made it there yet? What would help you to reach that goal?
Prayer: Loving God, we thank you for inspiring us through your Word. Help us to better understand your teachings and through that process, bit by bit, to grow and become closer to you. Amen.
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