Heart of a Psalmist - Worshipping Christ Through The Psalms

III RETURN NOT TO FOOLISHNESS - 8, 9

“I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying, for he speaks peace to his people, his faithful ones. But let them not return to their foolish ways.” (8)

The descendant of Korah was in the atmosphere of the prophetic music of God, listening to the law and the words of prophecy streaming from the temple. Worship is an excellent time to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit and we should not discredit the strong, scriptural impressions that come to us in these mo- ments. The author heard very clearly that there was an enduring peace for the nation but they were never to return to their sins again. Peter describes those who do this: “They make these proverbs come true: ‘A dog returns to its vomit,’ and ‘ A washed pig returns to the mud.’”(2 Pet. 2:22)

“Surely his salvation is near to those who honor him; our land will be filled with his glory.” (9)

God’s plan of salvation is close to everyone: “Salvation that comes from trusting Christ–…is already within easy reach. In fact, the Scriptures say, ‘The message is close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart.’”(Rom. 10:8) The glory of God, his goodness and presence, will fill the heart of all who call upon him for salvation.

IV RIGHTEOUSNESS SMILES DOWN - 10-13

In this passage the writer uses the technique of ‘personification’; speaking of something as though it were a human being. Christ is declared in the scriptures to be the righteousness of God who fulfills these poetic descriptions: 1. Righteousness and peace kiss- “Unfailing love and truth have met together. Righteousness and peace have kissed!” (10) In this verse the righteous demands of the law have been met by Christ mak- ing a way for God’s prosperity to return to his people. Delitzsch says: ‘Righteousness and peace or prosperity, these two inseparable brothers, kiss each other there, and fall lovingly into each other’s arms 2 .” Those who are made alive in Christ receive his kiss of welcome into a meaningful life. 2. Righteousness smiles down from heaven- “Truth springs up from the earth, and righteousness smiles down from heaven.”(11) When we believe things that are true and put them into practice God blesses our efforts with success. Instead of weeds, the good seeds of God’s word grow strong in the light of his favor. 3. Righteousness prepares a highway- “Yes, the Lord pours down his blessings. Our land will yield its bountiful crops. Righteousness goes as a herald before him, preparing the way for his steps.” (12,13) When someone follows God they will never be without options in life. There will always be a ‘way’ of de- liverance and blessing prepared by the Lord. Jesus our righteousness fulfills all of the above pictures when he declares: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (Jn. 14:6) When the verses of this psalm are lived, sung and prayed we will feel the kiss of God and his smile radiating down upon us.

1 Agnes, heading “propitiation” 2 Keil & Delitzsch

PSALM 86: ALL THE NATIONS WILL COME Prayer from a United Heart

This psalm, declaring the mercy and miracles of God, is a crystal clear balance of prayer and praise. It is a composite work, borrowing its language from previous sister psalms, passages from Deuteron- omy and from God’s answer to Moses’ prayer in Exodus 34:6; “I am the Lord, I am the Lord, the merci- ful and gracious God…” David models his sweet song after the example of the great law- giver. There are 12 petitions to God; “Save me…(2),…Give me happiness…(4);” and then eight reasons why God should answer David all prefaced by the word ‘for’. “…for I need your help… for I am devoted to you…” (1,2). It prophetically proclaims that all nations will someday bow before the Lord in worship. Christ is seen in the shadows of this psalm as the one who was delivered from the grave (Sheol) and as the Son of God’s handmaid. It is outlined in three sections:

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