Psalm 113 overflows with praise for God. Despite being the exalted king of all the universe who rules over all the nations of the earth, he notices and cares for the lowliest and loneliest of people. The poor, who once were acquainted only with ashes and dust, are lifted up and granted a spot at the table to dine and fellowship with the princes of the people. The barren women, whose desires to have a family once were only an empty fantasy, now abide in homes with children of their own, and have hearts that are full of joy.
God, you certainly are the God who can do immeasurably more than we can ask and imagine (Ephesians 3:20). This psalm overflows with joy and praise to you who fill our lives with such surprising, unmerited, miraculous blessings: the paupers dining with princes and the barren women having homes full of children...it sounds too good to be true! And yet, because of who you are...because of your power and love...we believe it is true.
Lord, we pray: intervene in our lives. You know the circumstances that we currently face that seem to define us and deny us our happiness. Sometimes we don't believe these things can ever change. But then, we remember that you are a God of redemption. You are a God with whom all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). Fill our hearts with hope again, so that we can believe that our lives can improve, and believe that you, Jesus, came so that our lives would be abundant (John 10:10) and full of joy (John 15:11). As we hope for what is to come, grant us foretastes of your perfect plan, and let our faith in you fill our hearts with joy. Sometimes you will fulfill our desires in miraculous ways. Sometimes we won't receive exactly what we want, but you give us yourself, the best gift of all, and sustain us with your love. Your grace is sufficient for us, O Lord (2 Corinthians 12:9). In Jesus' name, we pray, amen.
