Psalm Meditation 1360 ¶Proper 10 ¶July 12, 2026 ¶Psalm 89 ¶https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2089&version=NRSVUE ¶A standard piece of management advice is to start any critique with something positive, and then mention the negative. The psalmist follows this advice by reminding God of all the good things that God has done for David and the people under David’s rule. The psalm starts more broadly than God’s care for the people, with a list of things God has done and continues to do for the whole area and world. As the psalmist brings in a more narrow focus, the emphasis is still on the good things God has done for and through David. ¶David has been crowned, anointed, and strengthened to serve as the one who leads the people victoriously into battle, crushing foes and striking down those who hate David, and by extension, God and the people of God. The promise to David of God’s steadfast love forever has been given, and God has reaffirmed that steadfast love over time. The promise is given to David and to all David’s heirs who also follow the ways of God. Those promises become void for any ruler who does not walk in the footsteps of David, even though the promise to David stands. ¶God is great, and God’s steadfast love is a permanent fixture for each of us. However, those who turn away from God’s path will find themselves farther away from that love, even though the love still stands firm. Though we may feel abandoned by God and taunted by those around us, the love of God surrounds us even when we have difficulty feeling it. ¶July 7, 2026 ¶LCM