Heart of a Psalmist - Worshipping Christ Through The Psalms

2. God’s Covenant (agreement) with David- “

“I will praise your name, O Lord, for it is good.”

David’s agreement with God was based upon the mercy He would show us because of the death of his Son. The response to this agreement is our grateful praise. Up until this moment in the Psalm the name for God has been his title: ‘Elohim.’ Now David personalizes the relationship and refers to ‘Yah- weh’ the name by which God revealed himself to Moses: “God replied, ‘I Am the One Who Always Is’ (or) ‘I Will Be What I Will Be.’ Just tell them ‘I Am’ has sent me to you.’” (Ex. 3:14) The New Testament tells us: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Heb. 13:8) David is reminded of what God told Moses; the Lord is the same in every generation and he is the answer to all situations. Praise not only reminds us of this truth, but it inspires us to believe it in our hearts.

3.

God Honors His Agreements- (7)

“For you will rescue me from my troubles and help me to triumph over my enemies.” (7)

David reaches out from a dark and horrible present and by faith lays hold of bright and hopeful fu- ture. Forgiveness can change the hurts of the past; faith that is activated by sacrifice and praise can help to shape our future! “So we don’t look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last for- ever.” (2 Cor. 4:18)

1 Keil & Delitzsch 2 Scroggie

PSALM 55: CAST YOUR BURDEN ON THE LORD

This psalm is most likely composed during the early stages of the rebellion of Absalom and the be- trayal of David’s closest counselor, Ahithophel. David’s desire to fly away on the wings of a dove is one of the most memorable images in all poetry. The whole crushing experience ends with an admonition to cast your burden on the Lord. The song is divided into these components:

I ANGUISH OF DAVID- 1-7 II ABSALOM’S REBELLION- 8-11 III AHITHOPHEL’S BETRAYAL- 12-15 IV ANSWER FROM GOD- 16-19

V ABSALOM AND AHITHOPHEL REVISTITED- 19-21 VI ASSIGN YOUR BURDENS TO THE LORD- 22-23

INSCRIPTION:

I

ANGUISH OF DAVID - 1-7

This section begins with three desperate petitions from David as his son and closest counselor begin a heart wrenching rebellion that puts him in mortal danger. • “Listen to my prayer, O God. • Do not ignore my cry for help! (1) • Please listen and answer me,…” (2) David then gives seven descriptions of what is happening to him both inwardly and outwardly. • “…for I am overwhelmed by my troubles.” (2) Rarely has anyone ever faced the magnitude of problems that David encountered at this time in his life; losing his wives, his kingdom, his son, his honor and his closest friend.

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