Heart of a Psalmist - Worshipping Christ Through The Psalms

INTRODUCTION:

“For the choir director: A meditation of David.”

A ‘meditation’ (Maschil) signifies ‘after a sad tone or manner 2 .’ Atheism is a sad subject and this psalm joins Psalm 88, the darkest of them all, in musical character. It was a public psalm to be sung be- fore the whole world showing that atheism is a foolish and destructive path.

I THE FALLEN RACE - 1-3

“Only fools say in their hearts, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and their actions are evil; no one does good!” (1)

David’s opening statement concerning ‘fools’ becomes one of the major themes of the Book of Proverbs written by his son Solomon. The seeds sown by parents become the fruitful tree of their chil- dren. Solomon contrasted the life of the foolish and wise person in many verses: “A wise woman builds her house; a foolish woman tears hers down with her own hands.” (Pr. 14:1) The heart is the innermost part of man and what we confess there determines the course of our life. In this psalm, the person has declared ‘there is no God’ and it leads to a life of corruption, evil and the complete lack of goodness. • Evil in the heart • “…madness is in their hearts” (Eccl. 9:3) Atheism is madness and leads to a life of destruction. • “…these men have set up their idols in their hearts,”(Ezek. 14:13) Idols in the heart results in a life of being obsessed with people or possessions. • Goodness in the heart • “ …I will put my fear in their hearts so they will not depart from me.” (Jer. 32:40) Respect for God in the heart leads to a life of wisdom and honor. • “For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God…” (Rom. 10:10) What we say and believe in our hearts determines our eternal destiny and affects the quality of our life on this earth. “God looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if there is even one with real understanding, one who seeks for God. But no, all have turned away from God; all have become corrupt. No one does good, not even one!” (2,3) Paul quotes this passage in Romans 3:10-12 to illustrate that the entire human race, Jew and Gentile are guilty before God and have need of a Savior. He then presents the solution to the alienation from our creator: “We are made right with God when we believe that Jesus shed his blood, sacrificing his life for us.” (Rom. 3:25) David sought to understand God and turned to him with all his heart to live a good, although imperfect life. He foresaw the coming of Christ and placed his trust in the perfect, sinless Mes- siah.

II THE FOOLISH PERSON - 4,5

“Will those who do evil never learn? They eat up my people like bread; they wouldn’t think of pray- ing to God.” (4)

Perhaps this psalm was inspired by David’s encounter with Nabal, his name being the Hebrew word for fool. David merely wanted some ‘bread’ for his followers and asked Nabal to help him as he had guarded his flocks and herds. Nabal refused to give him the slightest help so David was on his way to destroy his family, possessions and everyone connected with him. Abagail, Nabal’s wife, intercepted David and gave him words of wisdom that kept him from his revengeful rage: “I know Nabal is a wicked and ill-tempered man; please don’t pay any attention to him. He is a fool, just as his name suggests. “(1 Sam. 25:25) Thankfully David chose the wise counsel of Abagail over the actions of Nabal. Fools in- fluence us to act irrationally while wisdom preserves our life.

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