Heart of a Psalmist - Worshipping Christ Through The Psalms

“…who you are…” is referring to his name and all the richness it represents : “I Am that I Am, the Mighty God, The Light of the World, The Word of God, The Faithful God, Savior,…” The night inspires contemplation and deep inward thought. From these two ingredients a strong conviction of obedience is birthed in the psalmists heart.

“This is my happy way of life; obeying your commandments.” (56)

The ‘happy way of life’ is like a valuable possession to the psalmist and he does it consistently with- out wavering. There is never a thought of changing the habits of living out God’s judgments and com- mands.

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“Lord, you are mine! I promise to obey your words!” (57)

This verse contains a ‘spiritualized Levitical confession’. 8 The Tribe of Levi was the priestly family and they did not own land in Israel but considered the Lord to be their portion in life. “That is why the Levites have no share or inheritance reserved for them among the other Israelite tribes. The Lord him- self is their inheritance, as the Lord your God told them.” (Deut.10:9) The writer might have been from the Levitical family. In the New Testament, all believers are part of God’s priestly tribe and inherit a deep relationship with the Lord!

“With all my heart I want your blessings. Be merciful just as you promised.” (58)

Only wholeness of heart has the capacity of receiving the promises of God; half of a heart cannot contain the blessing. Although we do not have ‘perfect performance’ of God’s law, we can have a ‘per- fect heart’. Jesus was not only ‘whole-hearted’ towards God, but he completely fulfilled the law and re- leased the promise to those who follow in his steps. “.

“I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your statutes.” (59)

It takes courage to be completely honest with your self and here the psalmist makes changes in his manner of life after considering the demands of scripture. “Examine yourselves to see if your faith is really genuine. Test yourselves.” (2 Cor. 13:5) This process describes true New Testament repen- tance, a change of thinking resulting in a changed life.

“I will hurry without lingering, to obey your commands.”(60)

We must not put off difficult decisions if we desire to progress spiritually. There is a time of grace when the Holy Spirit is attempting to lead us to new levels of obedience; we cannot linger our response. “In- deed, God is ready to help you right now. Today is the day of salvation.” (2 Cor. 6:2)

“Evil people try to drag me into sin, but I am firmly anchored to your law.” (61)

The NIV gives a literal translation: “Though the wicked bind me with ropes…” Jeremiah was low- ered into a cistern by ropes after he firmly declared the law of God to the rebellious nation of Judah: “so the officials took Jeremiah from his cell and lowered him by ropes into an empty cistern in the prison yard.” (Jer. 38:6) The psalmist remains faithful despite all difficulties.

“At midnight I rise to thank you for your just laws.” (62)

Midnight is the darkest moment both in the natural and spiritual sense. Perhaps this verse inspired Paul and Silas as they were chained in the prison at Philippi: “About midnight Paul and Silas were pray- ing and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.” (Acts 16:25) God sent an earthquake in response to their song of thanksgiving!

“Anyone who fears you is my friend–anyone who obeys your commandments.” (63)

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