Sharper Iron — Psalms of Thanksgiving - Psalm 111: Thanksgiving from A to Z

Psalm 111 is an acrostic poem that makes use of every letter of the Hebrew alphabet to show us the fullness of the LORD’s steadfast love for which we give Him thanks and praise. The LORD’s works are great and majestic as He exercises His power to show us sinners His mercy. We remember His wondrous works that He has accomplished because He has remembered His promises to us. By His faithfulness and righteousness, He has redeemed His people and kept His covenant forever. Such gifts are received in the faith and fear of the LORD.

Rev. Merritt Demski, pastor at St. John Lutheran Church—Hanover in Alta, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 111.

“Psalms of Thanksgiving” is a series on Sharper Iron that looks to several psalms to help us give thanks to God. The LORD gives blessings to His whole creation, even all evil people. As we pray the psalms, He teaches us to receive all His gifts with thanksgiving, knowing that He is good and His steadfast love endures forever.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God’s Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Sharper Iron is underwritten by Lutheran Church Extension Fund, where your investments help support the work of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit lcef.org.

Psalm 111

Great Are the Lord‘s Works

111 ^[a] Praise the Lord!
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart,
    in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
²Great are the works of the Lord,
    studied by all who delight in them.
³Full of splendor and majesty is his work,
    and his righteousness endures forever.
⁴He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered;
    the Lord is gracious and merciful.
⁵He provides food for those who fear him;
    he remembers his covenant forever.
⁶He has shown his people the power of his works,
    in giving them the inheritance of the nations.
⁷The works of his hands are faithful and just;
    all his precepts are trustworthy;
⁸they are established forever and ever,
    to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
⁹He sent redemption to his people;
    he has commanded his covenant forever.
    Holy and awesome is his name!
¹⁰The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
    all those who practice it have a good understanding.
    His praise endures forever!

Footnotes

Psalm 111:1 This psalm is an acrostic poem, each line beginning with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet

Rev. Timothy Appel

Although a mathematics degree may not be incredibly helpful to (proudly born-and-raised Texan) Rev. Timothy Appel while hosting Sharper Iron, his love of CFW Walther and the season of Easter will come in handy. His Call is shepherding the flock at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, Illinois, and he’s also husband to wife Kristin and dad to their growing basketball team of children. When he’s not carrying out pastoral duties, you may find him reading “The Lord of the Rings,” snacking on Reese’s peanut butter cups, playing dominoes with his boys, or studying up on Texas history (including Sam Houston, of course).