Heart of a Psalmist - Worshipping Christ Through The Psalms

David was aware that two twin attributes of God were not only following him as mentioned in Psalm 23:6 “Surely goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life,…” but actually watch- ing ‘over’ him from above. Other versions translate these qualities as ‘mercy’ and ‘truth.’ Throughout the Bible they are mostly mentioned in this order. We should never try to observe or apply the powerful truths of God apart from the lens of mercy in order to avoid becoming cruel and pharisaical. The most merciful thing is his ‘truth’ and yet his ‘mercy’ may be the greatest truth we can know about God.

4. Days “Then I will always sing praises to your name as I fulfill my vows day after day.” (8)

Each day is a gift from God to be used in fulfilling his plan for us. David kept his commitments to God with joyfulness and singing. This is how we were meant to live!

PSALM 62: HE ALONE IS MY ROCK The Serenity of Silence

This is the most serene of all the psalms even though it was experienced in the most trying of circum- stances, David’s flight from his son Absalom. It proves to us that the soul can find rest and repose if it’s trust is exclusively in God. A special Hebrew word (Ak) translated as ‘alone’ is used six different times pointing to a solitary confidence in God who is a rock, a fortress and a refuge. This beautifully written song explores the strength that is derived from contemplating God’s power and love. Silence is one of the great disciplines of the spiritual person, shutting out every voice and distraction to absorb his pres- ence.

It is divided by two interludes (Selahs) into three sections:

I INTROSPECTION- 1-4 David Looks Within His Soul II INTIMACY- 5-8 David Looks to His Savior III INSTRUCTION- 9-10 David Looks to His Students

INTRODUCTION:

“For Jeduthan, the choir director: A psalm of David.”

It is fitting that this placid, resigned psalm was given to Jeduthan (See Psalm 39, Introduction) the leader of the string section rather than Heman, the leader of the brass or Asaph the percussionist. His nature was to give thanks unto the Lord with the playing of harps. The vibration of the strings soothes the soul and retunes the heart to the enlightened melodies and thoughts of the Holy Spirit. There is every reason to believe that David was the composer of this anthem of serenity and beauty.

I INTROSPECTION - 1-4 David Looks Within His Soul

“I wait quietly before God, for my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken.”(1,2)

Waiting, quietness and being alone are three of the hardest yet most rewarding disciplines of the human soul. Music is God’s way of assisting us to quiet our soul and to enjoy the delay. Waiting is usu- ally a result of some circumstance beyond our control yet quietness is something we choose until God himself shows up to save us. David’s aloneness was forced upon him as he was separated from his throne, his family, his prestige and his power and yet that is where he discovered God to be his rock , his salvation and his fortress . He learned the lesson of solitary focus allowing him to develop unshaken faith in God.

“So many enemies against one man–all of them trying to kill me. To them I’m just a broken-down wall or a tottering fence.”(3)

150