Heartfelt Hallelujah

Midweek Meditation with Pastor Edith
May 7, 2025
Psalm 118:13-14

The Psalm today is one of the Hallel Psalms that were sung in Jewish families on the night of the Passover (Hallel means praise). There are six: Psalm 113-118. The Psalm I am quoting from today was very likely sung as the farewell hymn Jesus sang with his disciples on the way to Gethsemane and Calvary (notes from Halleys Study Bible).

I am pondering verses 13-14 of Psalm 118 as I think about some of the conversations I’ve been privy to today. It seems lots of people feel pushed around, or ill spoken of by those close to them. My heart hurts for anyone who is experiencing this, whether in my sphere of influence or those dealing with poverty, hunger and the effects of war or other tragedies. Then, as I was driving home from some visits today, I heard part of a song by Brandon Lake; “Hard fought Hallelujah” (I think that is the title). In this song, he sings with passion how many times life is just so hard that he struggles to raise his hands in praise because even in the troubled times he knows that the Lord has a plan and He will see it through. Here is part of the chorus; “I bring my hard fought, heartfelt, been through hell Hallelujah. My storm tossed, sails torn, story to tell Hallelujah”. (Listen to the song by clicking the image)

Perhaps you are feeling a bit tossed around today, or maybe you know someone who is going through some tossing. Consider praying the words of our text today and take a moment to sit in the presence of the Holy Spirit who can bring the peace that is desperately needed.

“I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation” (Psalm 118:13-14)

AMEN and Pray on!