Heart of a Psalmist - Worshipping Christ Through The Psalms

The writer had a deep love for the word that inspires all who read this psalm. The word for ‘love’ is mentioned over ten times; (47, 97, 113, 119, 127, 132, 159, 163, 165, 167, 140) His obedience was not out of obligation or duty but out of a sense of affection and admiration for God.

“I honor and love your commands. I meditate on your principles.” (48)

Most other translations render the original thought: “I lift my hands to your commands…” (NIV) This sacred act of honor is reserved for prayer: “So wherever you assemble, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy.”(1 Tim. 2:6) for intimate times of worship: “Lift your hands in holiness, and bless the Lord.” (Ps. 134:2) ; and for deep times of communion when God reveals himself through his word.

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“Remember your promise to me, for it is my only hope.”(49)

Hope is an interior state of expectancy. This verse is describing the ‘voice’ within the word where God speaks his promises from the scripture to the needs of our life. The psalmist tenderly asks God to ‘remember’ him as he is awaiting its fulfillment.

“Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles.” (50)

His promise not only inspires hope, it revives us to a vibrant activity of faith. We can joyfully navi- gate through the troubles of life propelled by the assurance of his promise.

“The proud hold me in utter contempt, but I do not turn away from your law.” (51)

Ridicule tests the reality of our beliefs. What is surrendered in times of suffering was never fully em- braced at all; it is like the seed that attempts to grow in shallow soil: “At first they get along fine, but they wilt as soon as they have problems or are persecuted because they believe the word.” (Mt. 13:21) The psalmist sings and clings to the laws of God.

“I meditate on your age-old laws; O Lord, they comfort me.” (52)

One ingredient of meditation is repetition, going over the same words again and again to uncover fresh understanding. Meditation also means to examine very closely, to have quiet and prolonged re- flection on a theme: “Search for them (his laws) as you would for lost money or hidden treasure.” (Prov. 2:4) Only diligent focus produces godly comfort.

“I am furious with the wicked, those who reject your law.” (53)

God’s word divides the evil from the good. It demands a decision from mankind and often sepa- rates relationships between those who choose darkness from those who choose the light. In the age of grace, Christ took upon himself the anger that was a result of the broken law and we now fall on our knees in humble intercession for those who are lost.

“Your principles have been the music of my life throughout the years of my pilgrimage.” (54)

Inspired songs based upon God’s word are meant to lift our spirits throughout our lives. The Mes- sage translation picks up the heart of the verse: “I set your instructions to music and sing them as I walk this pilgrim way.” The second half of the verse is also rendered: “in the house of my pilgrimage” (NAS) possibly referring to the poet’s house in the exile to Babylon. It might also be referring to the ‘church’, the ‘house of the Lord’ where we worship and journey spiritually through this pilgrim land in search of our heavenly dwelling. The church is to be full of songs based upon his marvelous word!

“I reflect at night on who you are, O Lord, and I obey your law because of this.” (55)

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