Heart of a Psalmist - Worshipping Christ Through The Psalms

These verses in this little psalm forever change the foundation of our worship. It is no longer based upon animal sacrifice but on the sacrifice of the Messiah’s life. Our faith in his sacrifice and obedience to his will is the basis for our worship. Without obedience our song and music is meaningless. Saul was disobedient yet desired to continue his burnt offerings, Samuel answered: “ What is more pleasing to the Lord; your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Obedience is far better than sac- rifice. Listening to him is much better than offering the fat of rams.” (1 Sam. 15:22)

III. THE MESSAGE OF HIS MERCY - 9-12

This wonderful message of forgiveness and the joy of his presence are to be shared with others! David is the first one to incorporate worship music with evangelism: • “ I have told all your people about your justice.” • “ I have not been afraid to speak out…” • “ I have not kept this good news hidden in my heart” • “ I have talked about your faithfulness and saving power.” • “ I have told everyone in the great assembly of your unfailing love and faithfulness.”(9-10)

Those who believe in Christ are to tell the world through songs that God is just, faithful, full of love and that he will save us when we call upon him!

Verse 12 describes the lowest pit of human despair.

“ For troubles surround me- too many to count! They pile up so high I can’t see my way out. They are more numerous than the hairs on my head. I have lost all my courage.”(12) All of us will pass through some form of this experience as we journey through life. Verse 11 de- scribes the antidote to depression:

“ Lord, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me. My only hope is in your unfailing love and faith- fulness.”(11)

This threefold chord of ‘ tender mercies, unfailing love and faithfulness ’ is unbreakable and will lift us out of any pit of despair we may face. It took 30 men to pull Jeremiah out of his pit. “ Ebed-melech called down to Jeremiah, ‘Put these rags under your armpits to protect you from the ropes.’ Then when Jeremiah was ready, they pulled him out.”(Jer. 38:12,13)

IV. MAY ALL WHO SEARCH FOR YOU - 13-17

There are those who want to subvert the godly person. David prays for deliverance from them: • “ Please, Lord, rescue me! Come quickly, Lord, and help me. MAY those who try to destroy me be humiliated and put to shame. • MAY those who take delight in my trouble be turned back in disgrace. Let them be horrified by their shame, for they said, ‘Aha! We’ve got him now!’”(13-15) There are those who want to search for God. David advises that they continually praise God with joy and shouts of gladness! • “ …MAY all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness. • MAY those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, ‘The Lord is great!”(16)

David takes one last, humble look at his life as he ends his song:

“ As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord is thinking about me right now. You are my helper and my savior. Do not delay, O my God.” (17)

He tenderly asserts in the midst of his deepest need that the Lord is thinking of him. This is true of anyone who is reading this, the Lord is thinking of us right now.

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