Psalm 118 is like a biblical greatest hits playlist; it contains many lines we sing or pray in worship. Beginning at the first verse, “O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,” this great psalm contains words and images that teach and inspire us.

The image of the stone the builders reject is so relevant to the life of Christ that it is referenced in three places in the New Testament: Matthew 21:42 as Jesus cleanses the Temple, Acts 4:11 as Peter gives bold testimony, and 1 Peter 2:7 where the author calls Christ a “living stone” and calls believers to become temples that reflect the holiness of Christ the cornerstone.

“Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord,” an affirmation of hope and longing the crowd repeats on Palm Sunday, is one we often repeat in the celebration of the Lord’s Supper.

Parts of Psalm 118 might remind us of our own spiritual journey. You might remember times you have thanked God for the goodness that has brought you through trials, blessed you, or enriched your family life. Or you might feel connected to the cornerstone imagery as you remember times you have felt rejected or misunderstood and have held fast to the realization that Christ—while rejected by some—is truly the cornerstone, the point on which everything in heaven and on earth comes together. You might remember times in worship when you have felt moved to praise the one who comes in the name of the Lord.

Review those moments from your experience alongside this psalm. Ask yourself when or where you might have been the one speaking these words in hope or in faith, in doubt or in comfort.