Praying the Psalms with Augustine and Friends

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Praying the Psalms with Augustine and Friends

Psalm 118 with Augustine – Trusting God Alone We are taught in this psalm to give thanks to the LORD (v. 1). The praise of God could not be expressed in fewer words than these, for he is good (v. 1). But, when my enemies have been brought to contempt, do not let my friend present himself to me as a good person, to get me to rest my hope on him: for It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in humans (v. 8). Do not let any one, even a “good angel,” seem trustworthy to me: for “no one is good—except God alone” (Mark 10:18), and when a human or an angel appears to aid us, he does it through them. Therefore It is better to take refuge in the LORD, than to trust in princes (v. 9). The LORD’s right hand has done mighty things! (v. 16). Nevertheless, the body of Christ, the holy Church, the people he adopted, suffered humiliation. The LORD has chastened me severely, but he has not given me over to death (v. 18). Do not let the boastful wicked imagine that they have power to do anything to us. They would not have that power if it had not been given to them from above. Likewise, often the father of a family commands his children to be corrected even though he designs an inheritance for them. What is our inheritance? Is it of gold, or silver, or jewels, or farms, or pleasant estates? Consider how we enter into it, and learn what it is. Open for me the gates of the righteous (v. 19). What is within? I will enter and give thanks to the LORD. This is the confession of praise full of wonder. This is the everlasting bliss of the righteous; those who dwell in the LORD’s house are blessed, praising him forevermore (Ps 84:4).