Heart of a Psalmist - Worshipping Christ Through The Psalms

5. Give us gladness- “Give us gladness in proportion to our former misery!” (15) God is interested in paying back our pain with an equal amount of blessing. Moses has seen the cruel history of God’s people; their bondage in Egypt, their struggles in the wilderness and yet he sees their bright and prom- ising future as he gazes into Canaan land. His prayer is so valid for us who have experienced both the wonders and the deep disappointments of human existence. 6. Restore to us- “Replace the evil years with good. (15) We can exchange all of our bad years for ones of blessing and goodness. 7. Let us see- “Let us see your miracles again;” (16) Let the circumstances be so miraculous that we will know without a doubt that it is your blessing. 8. Let our children see- “…let our children see your glory at work.” (16) Let this blessing be con- tinual to every generation following us. 9. Show us your approval- “And may the Lord our God show us his approval...” (17) Paul wrote to Timothy; “Work hard so God can approve you. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” (2 Tim. 2:15) Those who seek to know his word and do his will experience the radiance of his approval. 10. Make us successful- “…and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful!” (17) The last prayer is so bold and wonderful that it is almost too good to be true and yet we are invited to pray it and believe it along with the man who knew God face to face. Despite the wrath we have justly deserved according to the law of God, we can approach the Lord by his love and mercy and ask him for success. He wants us to be a success in the eyes of eternity; he wants to be our ‘home’ in this gen- eration, in this millennium and in the lifetime he has given us.

1 Scroggie

PSALM 91: THE SHADOW OF THE ALMIGHTY The Temptation of Christ

Spurgeon designates this psalm: ‘In the whole collection there is not a more cheering psalm, its tone is elevated and sustained throughout, faith is at it’s best, and speaks nobly.’ It is a psalm of per- sonal protection from all forms of the dark world; spiritual enemies, natural enemies, diseases and in- ward fears. It is generally believed to be a composition of Moses as the language of the song is closely tied to Deuteronomy 32 and 33, the circumstances describing the Israelites deliverance from Egypt and journey through the wilderness. The Jewish theologians believed that anonymous psalms that followed ones that had a designated author (Ps. 90- Moses) were also the work of the previously identified writer. It is believed that there are at least two different speakers conversing in the psalm with a possible choir singing a chorus. The Devil misused this psalm in the temptations of Christ. The law was unable to se- cure the victory over Satan that was won centuries later by the Son of God who rightly understood the meaning of this psalm. It is outlined:

I SHELTER OF THE MOST HIGH - 1,2 II SHIELD YOU WITH HIS WINGS - 3-8 III SERPENTS UNDER YOUR FEET - 9-13 IV SATISFY WITH LONG LIFE - 14-16 SHELTER OF THE MOST HIGH 1,2 “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. (1) This I declare of the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I am trusting him.” (2)

I

Verse 1 is the theme of the whole psalm and is sung by the 1st singer. Verse 2 is a personal re- sponse by a second singer where he makes the promise of God his own. God becomes available to us through our confession. The psalmist uses 4 names for deity in the opening thoughts making this a rich revelation of God worthy of the listeners trust. ‘Most High’ is ELYON the Great God; ‘Almighty’ is SHADDAI the Provider; ‘Lord’ is YAWEH the Redeemer and ‘Almighty’ is ELOHIM the Adorable one. 224