Today's Reading: Introit for the First Sunday after Trinity

(Psalm 13:1-4; antiphon: vs. 5-6)

Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 1:8-33; John 11:17-37

[O Lord,] I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me. (From the Introit for the First Sunday after Trinity)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Psalm 13 was written by David during a time of suffering, likely while he had to flee for his life from King Saul. He spent years in hiding and was at times a hair's breadth away from death. At times David got weary. At times he felt forgotten. At times he cried out to God in frustration, as he does in this psalm. He pours out the anguish of his heart before God. But note how the psalm ends.

David confesses his faith. "I have trusted in Your steadfast love…" All his life, David counted on the fact that God's love is strong and never fails. He knows that despite the trouble he endures, God's love has not changed.

"My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation…" David is confident that God will save him from Saul. He's also sure that God will save him from his sins and give him eternal life. He waits with confidence for that salvation.

And then we read something amazing: "I will sing to the LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me."

David's troubles are still there, but in faith he proclaims that God is already good to him. David praises God, trusting His mercy, even before he sees the answer to his prayers.

We can relate to the type of trouble and frustration that David expresses. We learn from this psalm to trust the Lord's promises in Christ even while we are in the midst of trouble. God's eternal faithfulness was shown when Christ died and rose for us. He washed us into that death and resurrection of Christ in Baptism. As the Father was faithful to raise Christ from the dead, so He is faithful to raise those who are joined to Christ in Baptism.

The troubles of life come and go, but the love of God to us in Christ Jesus is forever. Sing this psalm with David and with all the Church, because God has dealt bountifully with us in Christ. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, because of Your tender love toward us sinners You have given us Your Son that, believing in Him, we might have everlasting life. Continue to grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may remain steadfast in this faith to the end and finally come to life everlasting; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Duane Bamsch