Category: Psalms

Think back to when you first learned to ride a bike, or to water ski, or to drive a car. Remember what it was like to approach that learning experience with excitement and a little bit of healthy fear? Then, you mastered it. You figured it out. A bike went from something to learn and respect to something that took you from Point A to Point B, the destination now more important than the vehicle used to get there. 

Let’s apply that same logic to a difficult, 1000 piece puzzle. Once all the pieces fit together and the picture appears the same as the one on the box, there’s a sense of satisfaction in mastering something that was once impossible to figure out. Mission accomplished—and we simply move on to the next challenge.

Oftentimes, we approach God this same way. What if we could figure Him out? What if we could make sense of the ways He moves and acts, or the way He answers prayers, or His decisions to bless or judge? What if we had a god who we could master? Would we then rest in the satisfaction of self-accomplishment? Would we simply use that god as a means to an end, rather than the end itself? 

Yet sometimes, we make this our goal—to make sense of something we can’t figure out. His ways are not our ways. And the truth is, we don’t need a God we can make sense of or figure out. We need a God unlike anything else, a God worthy of the weight of worship. Worthy of the weight of holding all things together. Worthy of the weight of mystery. Worthy of the weight of glory. 

Psalm 113 reminds us that God is unlike anything else. He is worthy of all our praise. He is majestic and exalted and glorious, and He is near and He is good. The contrast between verse 5 and verses 6 through 9 can’t be lost on us. He is majestic and without rival or equal; still, He bends down to interact with us. Our humanity is not a problem for Him because He is the solution for the brokenness of it all. God is not a means to an end, He is the end, and all glory and honor and praise is due Him. We’d be wise to remember to approach Him with excitement and healthy fear, rather than make ourselves like Him by trying to figure Him out. There is nothing like our God. And that’s a good thing. He’s good at being God. He’s good to us. 

A cursory reading of Psalm 112 can seem to support the concept of the “prosperity gospel,” the idea that Christianity Today describes as “God rewards faith …with financial blessings,” but a careful study reveals a call to deep faith resulting in peace, perseverance, and purpose.

Psalm 112 constructs a biblical concept through the literary technique of cause and effect, beginning in verse 1. Blessed (cause) are those who have respect for the Lord (cause). “Blessed” is translated from the Hebrew root word asher. which means to go straight or advance and be happy. This isn’t blessed in the world’s terms of riches, but in God’s terms of guidance and peace. How do we receive this blessing? By having respect for the Lord, recognizing His power and perfection and giving it the appropriate priority.

The writer elaborates on this blessing: They (those who have respect/fear for the Lord) find great delight (effect) when they obey God’s commands (cause). Obedience is difficult, as demonstrated by every human being in the Bible. What we see in Psalm 112 is that we were designed for obedience to God. In obedience, we find the warm fuzzy blanket of guidance and protection which provides peace, patience, and purpose.

When we seek the blessings of the world we will encounter trouble, but when we walk in the directions of God, we will find peace (John 16:33). This world and our own self-centeredness lead us to pursue our desires and our plans, but we know that His purpose is better (Proverbs 19:21). Through following God’s commands, we receive the grit of perseverance because we know we are in His will (Ephesians 1:1) and He works all things to His good (Romans 8:28).

The remainder of Psalm 112 elaborates on the blessings and delights God graciously grants us (effects) as we respect and obey Him (cause). May we never mistake the true and eternal blessings of God built on faith for the temporary and shallow matter of this world.

Psalm 111 is a reminder of God’s faithfulness to His people. In Genesis 12, God made a covenant with Abraham that promised him land, seed (offspring) and blessing. God keeps His word as He fulfills His covenant. Throughout this passage, we see God keep His promises, true to His word time and time again. The Lord remains faithful to His people and provides food, inheritance, and redemption. God has lifted His people up to display His splendor and glory. 

The passage begins with a posture of gratitude. From this gratitude, David is moved to give thanks to the Lord. He describes the work of the Lord: gracious, merciful, full of splendor and majesty, righteous, powerful, faithful, just, and trustworthy. These are not just things God does, this is the character of our Savior. He is worthy of our praise as we remember His wonderful works. 

Our God is not fickle in His promises to us. He does not hesitate to restore our brokenness. He is trustworthy. He is keeping His covenant as He consistently acts to rescue His people. This is the God we serve—a promise maker and promise keeper, a Holy God who delights in showing Himself even in the small things, and a rescuer of our sinful hearts.  

All throughout the Word of God, we are encouraged to remember who God is and how He has worked in our lives. Joshua 4 is a practical example of stones of remembrance. In verses 6 and 7 we read, “When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do those stones mean to you?’ then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever.” This is how the people of Israel reflected on God’s fulfillment and faithfulness to them.  

Another tangible way we are called to remember is Luke 22:19-20: “And He took bread, and gave thanks, and broke it, and gave unto them, saying, ‘This is my body which is given for you: do this in remembrance of me.’ Likewise, also the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.’” Remembering what God has done for us is our opportunity to praise Him. 

To understand the importance of this psalm, one needs to grasp its place within the whole context of the Bible. This chapter has so much prophetic value that it actually contains one of the most quoted Old Testament verses in the New Testament. Psalm 115:1 is referenced in Matthew 22:43-45, Mark 12:36-37, Acts 2:34-35, 1 Corinthians 15:25, Hebrews 1:13, and Hebrews 10:13. In each of these instances, Scripture points to the authority and power of Jesus because this is at the very heart of Psalm 110. 

David prophetically starts this passage by declaring, “The Lord said to my Lord.” Years before Jesus is physically present on Earth, David speaks of God the Father speaking to God the Son (Jesus). It’s hard to overstate just how incredible it is that one thousand of years before Jesus was born, God announces His Son’s presence! We actually get some brief insight on this passage from Jesus Himself in Matthew 22. While speaking with the Pharisees, Jesus reminds them that David was “speaking by the Spirit” while writing this psalm. Through the Holy Spirit, David writes about the victory found in our Messiah. 

 It is worthwhile to note that Psalm 110 prophecies that God the Father tells Jesus to sit at his right hand. A posture of sitting displays the certainty of victory. Jesus has finished the work and now sits in victory with God the Father. Verse 4 says that He will serve as “a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” Melchizedek is a priest briefly mentioned in Genesis 14 whose name means “king of righteousness.” Jesus is the supreme King-Priest who faithfully followed God in pure righteousness. But this triumph is not for Jesus alone! Verse 3 states that we have the opportunity to willingly submit and follow Jesus. In serving Christ, we get to take part in His power and victory. Jesus’ flawless righteousness brings us salvation even though we don’t deserve it. When we allow Him to have ultimate authority in our life, we get to watch Him rule in perfect goodness and power. 

David pours out his heart in Psalm 109. He releases his feelings, his tremendous hurt and anger toward his enemies. He uses harsh words and pleads for God’s help. Let’s not sugar-coat this.  David doesn’t hold back when describing what actions he hopes God will take: Make the enemies’ days few, make their children beggars, have creditors take all they have, make it so that no one extends kindness to them, have the enemies’ names be blotted out from the next generation, clothe them with disgrace, and wrap them in shame. David was very real and very honest. It is extremely important to note, however, that David doesn’t take the action himself. He puts these thoughts, feelings, and requests into God’s hands, asking that God save him according to His unfailing love. David pours out his heart to God.   

Journaling is a part of many Christians’ Bible-reading and quiet time. It may include writing keywords or short phrases to record what you’re reading and learning from God’s Word, your hurts, joys, praises, or prayer requests. Other times, journaling may take on more of a diary-like process, such as writing a letter to God. Either way, there is freedom that comes from being fully, totally, completely honest with God. This honesty includes even those thoughts and feelings that we may be scared to put words to or feel guilty for feeling. We are called, however, to pour out our hearts to him. God is our refuge (Ps 62:8b). 

David’s psalm is not about requesting God to bring destruction to those with whom we disagree with or those who have hurt us, but rather to be honest and real with God. This psalm is about submitting our feelings to Him. David was brutally honest and laid his requests before God. He wanted action to come from God without taking it in his own hands. We serve a loving and just God. A God who became flesh to die for us and carry the burden of our sins on His shoulders. And with the new covenant through Jesus, we learn that we are to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). So, while we should continue to be truthful and forthright with God about our feelings, and sometimes action is necessary, let’s also commit to praying for those who might fall into our “enemy” category. God holds the world and future in his hands. Often, we may need to trust in that truth and pray without any other action.

If portions of this psalm of David sound familiar, it is because sections of two previous psalms are included (Psalm 57 & 60). The psalmist once again praises God for love and faithfulness, and then prays to God to deliver His people from their enemies. Most likely Israel was headed into another battle. He gives God the best part of the day and wakes before dawn to greet the day with joyful songs of adoration. Pushing aside doubts and fears, he proclaims his confidence in God’s faithful love. 

David feels no shame about publicly exalting the greatness of God among the nations. He is confident of being saved and rescued with God’s right hand.  Notice praise preceded his petition. Verse 7 presents the context of David remembering the past with his choice of words “God has spoken in His sanctuary.” David rested in knowing God, not man, ultimately had dominion over the entire earth. “Give us aid against the foe, for human help is worthless (v. 12) and “With God we will perform valiantly; He will trample our foes (v .13).

Psalm 22:3 says “Holy God inhabits the praises of his people.” Inhabit means simply to occupy, reside or settle. It moves the heart of God when we celebrate Him and give him preeminence in our daily lives. It opens the door and creates space for Him to dwell in and through us. The beautiful thing is in the process we are transformed by His mercy and truth. Living any other way is futile and leads us down a disillusioned path.

Here is a simple acrostic as a guide to prayer:

Adoration: Praise to God for who He is

Confession: of our sins

Thanksgiving: Remembering the grace and mercy of God

Supplication: Requests for needs

Before we get started, say the first part of this psalm out loud:

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love and mercy endure forever.

This is a creed–a statement of truth repeated in the Psalms that we shouldn’t skip past. Now, let’s look at the rest of this chapter. We have four “stories of the redeemed.” Scholars generally agree that the four compass directions mentioned earlier in this passage are related to the four stories, with one notable asterisk:

• The Desert Refugee = East
• The Prisoner in Chains = West
• The Fools & Rebels = North
• Seafaring Merchants = Sea*

In this narrative, the characters and scenery change, but the plot never does: cry of distress, God’s deliverance, thankfulness. Since the pattern stays the same, let’s update the players to modern terms–the refugee, the imprisoned, the addicted, and the cast of “The Deadliest Catch.” You fit into one of these groups.

The modern, literal refugee fits this story, but so do those who have needed to seek refuge because of an abusive family, unloving church, or a spiritual state equivalent to living and wandering through the desert. The modern prisoner fits this story, but so do those that have faced the devastating consequences of earthly sin and felt the distance from God and chains of guilt that their sin has created. For the third group–the addicted–look at verse 18, and understand that “food” can be literal food or spiritual food. Addiction isn’t limited to substances covered by federal law. Addiction encompasses all of the vices that trade our spiritual food for stuff that makes us sick. 

We then come to the fourth story. Seafaring anecdotes are pretty rare in the Old Testament. The people of Israel just didn’t spend much time in deep waters. This is ancient history, when the seas were dangerous. Consider this–the fourth group may represent the people actively following God. Following God is not free of challenges, and the fourth story depicts one of the scariest professions of the age as a vivid illustration of the fact that people living in pursuit of God will face more than they can handle. 

In a way, Psalm 107 shows us the whole of Scripture: 1) Everyone is in need of saving; 2) God works powerfully in His world to save everyone who calls on His name; and 3) Every one of these stories is worth telling.

In today’s reading, we find a detailed account of Israel’s failures, follies, and fears, yet the psalmist bookends the chapter with praise to the Lord. At first glance, these seem like disparate messages thrown into a chapter without logical reasoning. If we carefully step along the path of Israel’s story, however, we find God’s provision as a marker throughout the journey. And God’s provision is always a purpose for praise.

Psalm 106:6 declares the writers’ message: “We have sinned, even as our ancestors did; we have done wrong and acted wickedly.” The next several verses outline the Israelites’ pattern: Israel forgets God’s goodness, they suffer the natural consequences of their sin, God shows mercy, Israel praises Him, then repeats. How does this apply to us today? We can see ourselves, our tendency toward forgetfulness and desire for instant gratification, in Israel’s actions. We forget His many kindnesses (v. 7). We do not wait for His plan to unfold (v. 13). We exchange His glory for earthly things (v. 20). We complain and disobey Him (v. 25).

Much like Israel’s story, we may experience God’s goodness but soon forget, grow impatient, or complain. Perhaps we pray for a job but then complain when it’s challenging. Or maybe we trust God to provide miraculous healing but not to provide the strength to endure the pain of illness. Sometimes we pray for His will to be revealed but only look for it to emerge as our own preference. As we walk along Israel’s path, we begin to see that it is our path, as well. God is the same God of yesterday, today, and tomorrow, so we can learn much of God’s character through this summary:

• He saves us to make His power known (v. 8)
• He leads us through impossible depths (v.9)
• He delivers us over and over (v. 43)
• He hears our cry (v. 44)
• He remembers His promises to love us (v. 45)

For any of these things, God deserves our praise. For all these things, He deserves our devotion.

Psalm 105 is categorized as a historical psalm. Throughout its 45 verses, this psalm traces the history of Israel. However, the initial five verses are an unmistakable call to praise. Found within these verses is a road map for how to praise the Lord:

• Give thanks to the Lord (v. 1)
• Call upon His name (v. 1)
• Make known His deeds among the peoples (v. 2)
• Sing to Him (v. 2)
• Tell of His wondrous works (v. 2)
• Glory in His holy name (v. 3)
• Let your heart rejoice (v. 3)
• Seek the Lord & His strength (v. 4)
• Seek His presence continually (v. 4)
• Remember (v. 5)

The first 15 verses of this chapter are also found in 1 Chronicles 16:8-22 and are presented there as a composition of David. Although this psalm is not specifically attributed to King David, we can conclude that he is the author and that he is calling Israel to a time of remembrance, celebration, and to spread the works of God on Israel’s behalf.

Praise is an imperative part of worshipping God, but many of us can get stuck in a rut, thinking it is confined to singing songs at church. This psalm is a reminder to us that praising God can come in the form of singing, but it also can come in the form of giving thanks to God, of remembering His wondrous works in our lives, and of talking freely and frequently about what God has done for us.

David knows from experience that our human nature is to forget the miracles and wonders of God that have marked our lives, so the bulk of this chapter is devoted to recounting and remembering God’s works for Israel. Following the call to praise, David lists out the cause for praise (v. 7-45) as he recounts how God has protected, guided, and blessed the nation of Israel for generations.

Hebrews 13:15 is a reminder to us that our praise to God is to be ongoing: “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.” Psalm 105 gives us a concrete example of how to do this: Start with any of the commands laid out in the first five verses (give thanks, call upon the Lord, sing, tell of His works, etc.), and the graciousness of God will lead you to an adoring and admiring view of how He has protected, guided, and blessed your own life.