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This psalm is an account of the psalmist calling out to the Lord in a time of great distress. He is overcome with sorrow and close to death. Then he calls out to the Lord, and God hears his cry. God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our paths (Psalm 119:105), so we can look to this psalm as a guide and an encouragement when we find ourselves in a dark place.

Even in the midst of despair, this psalm begins with a declaration of love for the Lord. Deuteronomy 6:5 commands us, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart.” But what if we struggle to love Him? How does this psalmist love God even in the midst of such sorrow? What causes the psalmist to boldly declare his love for the Lord? Verse 1 says it was because the Lord heard his cry for mercy. Verses 6-8 tell how God saved and delivered him. Charles Spurgeon writes, “Answered prayers are silken bonds which bind our hearts to God. When a man’s prayers are answered, love is the natural result.” So, maybe the way to strengthen our love for God is to return to the Lord again and again in prayer asking for help, confident He hears us. 

The psalmist’s prayer is not long or wordy or eloquent. He simply says, “Lord, save me.” That’s it. All he did was ask for help. Then a remarkable thing happened. The God of the universe, the one who made the heavens and the earth, “turned His ear” and heard this man’s cry for mercy. We won’t experience answered prayers unless we pray. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says to “Pray continually.” Call out to Him. Our God is full of compassion.

The lyrics of an old hymn say:

“What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear.
What a privilege to carry, everything to God in prayer.
Oh, what peace we often forfeit, oh, what needless pain we bear.
All because we do not carry, everything to God in prayer.”

As we consistently come to the Lord in prayer with our needs, we will experience the Lord “turning His ear” to us. As the psalmist shows us, this will cause us to love God more, regardless of our circumstances.

As we read through Psalm 113-118, commentaries tell us that these chapters were songs of praise sung by the Jews during Passover. This is important to understand because Jesus sang these songs on the night before He was crucified. This is the same night Judas betrayed Him and He was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. 

 Let’s look again, then, at the words Jesus was singing (v. 1) as He alone knew what the next few hours would hold: “Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but to your name give glory, because of your mercy, because of your truth.” In light of verse 1, why should the Gentiles say in verse 2: “So where is their God?”

We know from Luke 22:42 that Jesus asked God to spare Him from death. Jesus was not asking where God was at the moment. Jesus certainly was asking God to show up and change things. Don’t we all feel like that at some point, even when we have faith in who God is and where He is? Our prayers can easily become a plea for deliverance from struggle and pain.

But in the midst of those prayers, are we also giving God glory? Jesus understood exactly what torture He was facing. Yet He knew God to be merciful and truthful and believed His Father to be worthy of praise and glory. As the Enduring Word commentary explains: “Singing these words must have moved Him in a way beyond our comprehension. No soul—neither that of the composer of the song, nor that of anyone who employs it—ever entered so completely into all its deep spiritual significance, as did the soul of Jesus, as, before passing out to Olivet, to Gethsemane, to Calvary, He sang it with that little group of men.”

When we face struggles, even those that seem insurmountable on our own, we can remember who our Father is. He never changes (Malachi 3:6). He is all-knowing (Isaiah 46:10). He is with us wherever we go (Psalm 139 and Jeremiah 23). He walks the road with us to the very end. No matter what happens on earth, he is worthy of our praise and glory. He knows what is ahead, because He has already been there. We can trust Him completely.

There are two major concepts that can be learned from this psalm. First, Psalm 114 is a psalm of praise. Clearly the author is reflecting on the mighty works of God, praising His name among the world, reminding their readers of who God is. This almost seems like a redundant observation, but this is something many Christians don’t regularly remember to do. Throughout the Scriptures we see a call to remember the works of God and to remember His faithfulness from generation to generation. This isn’t because God is on some ego-trip, but rather because Christians must be reminded daily of His love and mercy that sustains us every moment of every day.

Along with this, the author is also reflecting on God’s absolute power. With a beautiful display of the literary device known as personification, we see nature’s response to God’s commands. It has no choice but to obey!

“The sea looked and fled, the Jordan turned back; the mountains leaped like rams, the hills like lambs.” (Psalm 114:3-4)

The waters moved to the side; the very mountains jumped out of the way! Isn’t that literally the definition of awesome? The most mind-blowing part of this psalm, however, is how it starts:

“When Israel came out of Egypt, Jacob from a people of foreign tongue, Judah became God’s sanctuary, Israel His dominion.” (Psalm 114:1-2)

Just as Israel came out of Egypt, so too have Christians of today come out of the world and into the family of God through the act of Christ on the cross. By His blood, we are made new, passing from the old world to the new! Don’t think we do this alone, however.

We see in these first two verses that God goes with the Israelites. That’s why mountains and oceans sidestep when they come through. Nature doesn’t fear humanity but God. It is this same awe-inspiring power that goes with us as God, in His Holy Spirit, lives within all followers of Christ. Because of this, we have nothing to fear, as God goes with us. This doesn’t mean life will always be easy, but God will always be with you, and that will be more than enough.

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