Psalms28 Oct
As Christians, we are commanded to utilize the Psalms:
Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, (Ep 5:19)
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom,
teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and
spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
(Col 3:16)
Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful?
Let him sing psalms. (Jm 5:13)
Thus the Psalms are useful for singing praises to God. They are also
useful for teaching and confirming that Jesus is the Christ or Messiah.
Note the use Jesus made of them (Lk 24:44-47), and also Peter’s use of
them in his first gospel sermon (Ac 2:25-28,34-35).
It has been said that in the Psalms one finds “expressed the eager
yearning and longing for God’s presence”. It certainly contains
“prayers and songs of joyous trust and praise.” Indeed, every emotion
known to man is expressed in beautiful and inspired terms (e.g., joy,
anger, praise, repentance, trust, even doubt). Filled with some
emotion for which you cannot find the words to express it? It is
likely you will find it expressed in the book of Psalms!
I would therefore suggest that the Psalms are capable of serving as:
* The Christian’s “hymnal” to assist us in our praise to God
* The Christian’s “prayer book” in which we learn how to approach
God in prayer
* The Christian’s “book of evidences” to strengthen our faith in
Jesus Christ
* The Christian’s “training guide” for living holy and righteous
lives before God
35 Responses to “Psalms”
Leave a Reply
Psalm 1 is a great overview of our first theme, being rooted in God’s word. Give a listen to the first sermon in the series if you weren’t at Dix Hills EFC on 12/27 when I laid out what 365revolutions is all about. http://dhefc.org/2009/12/rooted01/
Psalm 3:5 – If I get up in the morning…Thanks Lord
Anger in itself is not sin. Usually it is our reaction to anger. We usually quote Eph 4:26 “in your anger do not sin” but Paul was actually quote this from Psalm 4:4. Anger is a feeling that arises to something is that is not right. Instead of reacting to anger we need to “search our hearts and be silent”. Then God will lead us to the right actions as we trust in Him.
Ps 4: 7 if I may paraphrase. He will fill me with greater joy than if I was to win a million dollars.
Great Psalm!
Does anyone know what Selah means? I couldn’t get specific answers in my reading. Thanks
The footnote in my bible says that it may mean pause, crescendo, or musical interlude
I had learned in school that it means pause and think of that.
I like this verse – it assumes we live to worship, and that God should keep us safe if only to praise Him. Psa 5:4 Turn, O Lord, deliver my life; save me for the sake of your steadfast love. 5 For in death there is no remembrance of you; in Sheol who will give you praise?
Sam, that’s a good observation. It sparked something in my memory…
A while back I led a study through the Psalms. I remember noticing this as a recurring theme, it seems – the psalmists were utterly passionate people who literally put it ALL on the line for God. They put their full expectation for help on the consistency and power of His divine attributes – especially his covenant love.
Similarly, if we put it all on the line to build our lives on God’s truth, then it’s up to God to keep us from complete ruin. If we’re sold out to Him, there really isn’t anyone else who CAN help us.
I just read Psalm 11 on my lunch break at work. I love how it ends – “For the Lord is righteous;
he loves righteous deeds;
the upright shall behold his face.”
I hate when you do the right thing and it seemingly doesn’t get you anywhere. I hate it even more when you look at the guy next to you, doing the wrong thing and it seems as though he goes on to have success, favor with others, a larger profit — whatever it is, in that moment you know “nice guys finish last.”
But then there is this verse, affirming me that the Lord loves righteous deeds, that I will behold his face.
So I’ve decided to in general “suck it up.” Maybe I won’t get ahead in the moment, but I’ve got the Lord’s face to behold one day and it will all be worth it then.
I know this is something we all know, but it was good to think about it again.
Today’s Psalm (13) seemed somewhat appropriate in the wake of the tragedy in Haiti. Reminded me that even in the midst of anguish and suffering Christ must be our rock. David starts off this Psalm with a cry of affliction to the LORD kind of saying “Why LORD why me?” but he ends it rejoicing in the LORD (v. 6 I will sing to the LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me). In Philippians 4:4 Paul says Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice.(ESV) It’s easy when we have it all in this country and we open our refrigerator and there is enough food to feed a village. But can we rejoice in our Lord when we face affliction? If I am being honest with myself I am going to say no—I don’t but I must rejoice in Christ and his saving work alone. If I put my trust in anything else but Him and rejoice in anything else but Him I have once again forsaken Him for a worthless idol.
Grace and Peace
I was so glad to read Psalm 15 on the reading plan this morning. It is one of my all-time favorites. As much as I enjoy theology, I have to recognize that at the end of the day, it’s how I live that shows what I believe. Does my theology cause me to be a man of integrity (“who swears to his own hurt, and does not change”)? Do I speak truth in my heart (am I honest with myself?!? Do I value truth?)? Do I have clean hands and a pure heart? Do I shun the desire to look at every situation as an earning opportunity, even if it’s legal and culturally acceptable?
I’m overwhelmed with the truth of how far short I fall. But God’s mercy is unfailing.
Very honest and self-reflectively insightful, Ben. I’ve been thinking (big segue here) about Sarah Palin lately. She was a small town sports newscaster, who became Mayor, who became Governor…VP candidate, her book is the #1 bestselling book of 2009 and now she is the newest member of the FOX News team. Her life, her integrity, her dependence on and unashamed proclamation of the name of God are an inspiration. There is a reason why she has gotten as far as she has. I especially admire the way she “has no slander on her tongue”.
Ben, I too want to live my life according to Psalm 15.
I love Psalm 16! Hey saints who are in the land, you’re the glorious ones in whom is all my delight (NIV) :3 And these God-chosen lives all around— what splendid friends they make!(Message) :3 The godly people in the land are my true heroes!(NLT)
You are gems! I love you church of Christ!
I love Psalm 16 also! “Apart from You I have no good thing” God is the giver of ALL good things. The world offers copy-cats of the goodness that God gives. They are momentary and deceptive and in the end leaves us empty. With God, He gives us “eternal pleasures”!
Feeling really powerful with God as my shield and strength. With Him – I can scale a wall and bend a bow of bronze. I’m smiling. Bring it on God!!!
Check out this video that shows us things that David never saw when he wrote this psalm. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=666gIFnUkUU
Back to yesterday’s reading. I like verse 2 of Ps 19 …Day after day they (the heavens) pour forth speech. About a year ago I went to see Rick Larson speak at SGT about his research on the Star of Bethlehem (also bought the DVD and never watched it)! One thing that was so interesting is that the constellations and their positions can be mathematically calculated so that one could actually study the same sky that one would have viewed 2000 years ago. Through his research of the stars and clues written in the Bible he put together an amazing puzzle of how the stars really can “speak” to us. God is an amazing and mysterious creator. We just have to keep seeking and searching for what He has for us to yet discover.
Today’s psalm: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright.”
Joyful but sobering when today’s temptation is to be obsessed with weapons, self-defense, politics (as a religion), etc. God knows where His people’s faith is – who am I to judge another man’s servant? Really, I mean that. But as for me, I want to be sure I’m trusting in the name of God, the Righteous Judge and Strong Deliverer. He’s more than enough for me.
In light of this, there’s fear and trembling for me when I see verse 8 (“They collapse and fall”). I’m so prone to trust myself. I may find no help in politics, but if I trust my knowledge or my faith or my efforts more than God, I’M the guy in verse 8.
This past semester I was given the opportunity to study Eschatology (last things). Where some professors might teach this subject strictly looking ahead to end times views, I was blessed with a professor who understood the importance of giving the full story of God as opposed to some long distance snapshots of what may take place. One of the assignments given was a creative project where students had to express something learned in a way that forced us to think outside the margins of a Word document.
Being a lover of the Psalms, Puritan writings (books, prayers, and poems), and Hymns, I thought I would attempt to capture some of the story of God from creation until reconciliation in a poem. This seemed like a fitting time to post this after we have just reviewed creation, Abraham, Psalm 19, and are about to cover the crucifixion. I would wait till revelation, since this is where the poem ends (Rev 20-21), but by that time the things that we are covering now will be at the back of some of our minds.
Just remember when reading this that David wrote his fair share of poems in his down time (when he wasn’t dropping giants or leading whole armies in battle). Thus, real men write poetry…
The Dwelling Place of God, With Men
Upon the plains of time and space
Divine authority did cause
The Moon and Stars to know there place
And Earth rings out a grand applause
Creation wrought to preach the power
Far beyond a mortal man
Yet men whose life is but an hour
Supreme authority demand
The cunning Serpent to deceive
Holds out the fruit to make one wise
And we, so quickly to receive
Now enmity between us lies
By faith alone did God see fit
To bless the man on whom He smiled
Through barrenness would God commit
This long awaited promised child
From one man’s son a nation rose
Under cloud, and flame, and perfect law
Upon God’s grace did they suppose
‘til from their presence He’d withdraw
Despite their whoring God is faithful
He did not His love postpone
But by the King’s own blood did ransom
Those whom He has called His own
Those far off are now brought near
Into the Body called the Bride
Seek purity and persevere
Until we with our Lord reside
And at the cross of Calvary there
Christ crushed that ancient Serpent’s head
The final punishment prepared
Where Death and Hades make their bed
The voice that thunders from the throne
As to the Earth will it descend
No longer shall creation groan
For “The dwelling place of God, with men”
I am no Puritan. I hope I have not said anything outside of Scripture.
Passage breakdown by stanza:
(Gen 1, Ps 19, Rom 1)
(Ps 19, Rom 1, Gen 2)
(Gen 2-3)
(Gen 12, 15, 17)
(Gen 21-50, Ex 1-[13]40, Lev, Ez 10)
(Hosea, Matt 27-28, 1 Cor 6:20, Romans, NT in general)
(Eph 3, 1 Cor 12, Titus 2:14)
(Gen 3:15, Gospel accounts, Rev 20)
(Revelation 21)
That was awesome! Who are you “Facebook User”?
My comment for today’s Psalm (21) was simply that I made it personal instead of reading from King David’s mouth. I made the victory mine for something that G_d answered for me the other day. I never screamed at God before, but I did on Wed eve. Afterward, I was a bit ashamed and frightened by my behavior but then came to the realization that I’m not afraid of His rejection and also that my boldness was, to me, a sign of more intimacy with Him. I don’t advocate screaming at G_d but it was kind of a theraputic breakthrough for me. Very Gestalt….
This is pure speculation. While reading Psalm 22 where it says “My God, me God why have you forsaken me” I began to reflect on the last words of Jesus. I know he quoted those words from this Psalm but do you suppose he repeated the whole Psalm or even rehearsed it in his mind. As a man on the cross it must have been a great reminder of what was actually happening and a reminder of his Father’s long term plan for mankind. Or was Jesus just crying out to his Father, God?
I like the idea. Reading the psalm with the agony of Christ in mind really deepens the meaning. I’m sure Jesus meditated on Scripture during his ordeal, and the whole Psalm fits.
MCB 24 January – Heb 10:7 States, in the volume of the Book it is written of me… In, meaning ((in place, time or state), and (by implication) the Volume meaning (expressing something forcefully and frequently). The OT has over 300 prophetic writings about the birth, life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus. Parts of Psalm 22, is without a doubt prophetic concerning what Jesus experienced on the cross. Read it again and compare it to our Lord’s crucifixion recorded in the gospels.
Psalm 47:1 Clap your hands all ye nations. Shout unto God with the voice of triumph. Why, to draw attention to yourself? No, because when you get a tiny glimpse of His glory, you will want to worship and Him praise, with a song and a shout! Has the Lord ever delivered you from something that it caused you to shout? Well let’s just start with our salvation then add up all the times you were in a jam and you knew only the Lord could get you out. And in His mercy (even when we do not deserve it) He delivers you out of the jaws of death or any other calamity. Sometimes we fear what people will think of us if we were bombastic in our praise. It takes humility to praise God openly. David writes in Psalm 103 – Bless the Lord oh my soul and all that is within me. It’s an understanding that only those who have truly encountered the Living God can do. John 4:23 God is looking for something; He seeks those who will worship Him in Spirit and in truth.
Psalm 23 today. Wow it is beautiful. In my devo, I talk about a atheistic rewrite of the psalm, and how the beauty is removed, if the Lord is removed.
Ps 32 Overwhelmed with gratitude. Why would God care to forgive MY transgression, cover MY guilt? That He cares to guide me, counsel me, teach me and watch over me? what else can I ask for!? I can only rejoice in this truth, put my faith in Him, thank Him and praise Him!
The Psalms bring us all great comfort. We all can identify with the Psalm in just about every aspect of our lives. Jesus often quoted out of the Psalms. Psalms were songs, so we can edify, exhort and comfort one another through Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. It amazes me that Saul called for David to play his harp and the tormenting spirit departed from Saul as David played. 1Sa 16:23 And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took the harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.
In Acts Chap 15 at the counsel of Jerusalem they came to the conclusion that God would restore the tabernacle of David. Act 15:15 and to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,
Act 15:16 After these things I will return, And I will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen; And I will build again the ruins thereof, And I will set it up:
Act 15:17 that the residue of men may seek after the Lord, And all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called If you study the Tabernacle of David, you would find that David had skilled singers and musicians 24/7 singing and worshiping before the ark of God.
Today’s Psalm made me think…
“Surely the wrath of man shall praise you;
the remnant of wrath you will put on like a belt.” –
I had to look it up in Hebrew, and that didn’t really help make things clearer. But it’s cool to think about that in some way praise to God and come from angry people. I love that the psalm is ambiguous enough to allow for a lot of situations.
Sam, my NIV says “the survivors of your wrath are restrained”. I def took a 2nd and 3rd look at that verse today too, but also decided I couldn’t be sure of what it really meant. My guess was that if anyone survived God’s wrath maybe they would think twice about opposing Him in the future…by imposing their own self-restraint out of fear. IDK
I really loved todays Psalm – 90 – A reflection on God’s faithfulness through the ages, and all time – “Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.”
Psalm 119 What a beautiful revelation and understanding of the Word of God. I was once in a service where the guest speaker preached on Psalm 119 – Every verse! It was at least a 4 hour sermon. You mind can only store what you behind can endure. No offence intented just pure logic.
Psalm 119 What a beautiful revelation and understanding of the Word of God. I was once in a service where the guest speaker preached on Psalm 119 – Every verse! It was at least a 4 hour sermon. You mind can only store what you behind can endure. No offence intented just pure logic.
Ps. 10: We can interpret this ancient text in a revelatory manner, reading it in the light of the twenty first century. In your world what is oppressing you? What is your biggest enemy that is trying to destroy you? Many of us have fallen into the snare of debt. There may have been a time when we prospered. Oh how easy they made it to refinance our homes. Also the credit card industry with their fine print that most do not read and after a period of time we are paying interest rates that will keep us in a cycle of minimal payments taking scores of years to pay the credit to completion. A trap of deception only because the economy always was and is unstable. The loyalty between employer and employee has totally deteriorated. Then the factor we rarely calculate into the equation of our lives. A debilitating illness that leaves us powerless to perform the acquired skills, experience and education we have diligently obtained. This is a hard lesson to learn but this industry preys upon the desperate and poor.When caught off guard we can fall into this temptation and trap so easily. But be of good cheer for when we are powerless we learn to lean totally on our God who supplies all our needs. We walk by faith and not by sight. We seek forgiveness for our folly and He forgives. We may pay for our mistakes for a season but the Lord is still plenteous in loving kindness, mercy and grace. He will deliver us from our enemies and we will arise once again healed, stronger and wiser from hard lessons. The easy way is to obey God’s word. But the flesh dies hard doesn’t it? So try reading this wonderful psalm in the light of what is trying to destroy you. If you do not have enemies trying to bring you down then check your walk with God. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Psa 31:20 Thou shall hide them in the secret of thy presence,…. That is, those that fear the Lord and trust in him; and therefore they are called his “hidden ones”, Psa_83:3; these the Lord preserves in times of trouble and danger, and when his indignation is out against others; and so the Targum is, “in the time of thine anger”; see Isa_26:20; the presence of God is their protection, he himself is a wall of fire round about them, his favour compasses them as a shield, and they are kept as in a garrison by his power; see Psa_91:1; and that “from the pride of man”, which otherwise would at once oppress, bear them down, and destroy them, Psa_124:1;
thou shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues; which areas a sharp sword, and from whence proceed devouring words, such contradiction of sinners as Christ endured; not that the saints are kept free from the reproaches of men, from the lash of their tongues, but from being harmed by them; and sometimes, through the strivings and contentions of men with one another, they privately escape and are preserved, as the Apostle Paul was, Act_23:9.
(John Gills exposition)
Psa 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all. When we seek the Lord with our whole heart and do His commandments and obey Him with the understanding we have, we will still experience affliction.
Read the meaning of this Hebrew word: affliction (From H7489; bad or (as noun) evil (naturally or morally). This includes the second (feminine) form; as adjective or noun: – adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, + displease (-ure), distress, evil ([-favouredness], man, thing), + exceedingly, X great, grief (-vous), harm, heavy, hurt (-ful), ill (favoured), + mark, mischief, (-vous), misery, naught (-ty), noisome, + not please, sad (-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked (-ly, -ness, one), worse (-st) wretchedness, wrong. [Including feminine ra’ah; as adjective or noun.]
The good news is in the end of the verse: Psa 34:19 …. BUT THE LORD DELIVERETH HIM OUT Of THEM ALL!