Heart of a Psalmist - Worshipping Christ Through The Psalms

“I haven’t turned away from your laws, for you have taught me well.” (102)

The greatest joy of a teacher is to see their pupil excel at the skills they have instructed. “I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children live in the truth.” (3 Jn: 4) The greatest joy of a believer is to learn the lessons of the law that are illuminated by the Holy Spirit.

“How sweet are your words to my taste; they are sweeter than honey.” (103)

Many times God’s word is compared to honey, the sweetest and most perfect of all foods. Both Ezekiel and the Apostle John were given prophecies on scrolls that they were instructed to eat and tasted like honey to them: “’Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it.’ So I ate it and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth.” (Ezek. 3:3)

“Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life.” (104)

The commandments help the believer to develop discernment, the spiritual ability to judge between things true and false. A person’s character is revealed by what they both love and hate. If there is a pos- itive love for God’s commandments in the heart, there will be a negative reaction to sin.

Nun n

“Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.” (105)

This is perhaps the most famous verse of this psalm and one of the most comprehensive in it’s mean- ing. We live in a world of spiritual darkness and must rely on the word of God to shine upon our path: “Pay close attention to what they wrote (the prophets), for their words are like a light shining in a dark place–until the day Christ appears and his brilliant light shines in your hearts.” (2 Pet. 1:19) The word of God shines brilliantly!

“I’ve promised it once, and I’ll promise again; I will obey your wonderful laws.” (106)

The writer is reinforcing the original promise that he has made to the Lord. He refreshes his com- mitment and reminds himself of the reasons why he should; God’s law is wonderful, inspiring awe and amazement to all who will look into its riches.

“I have suffered much, O Lord; restore my life again, just as you promised.” (107)

The author has experienced intense suffering from persecution, ridicule and opposition to his be- lief in the truth of God’s word. “Restore” is translated as “revive me” and “quicken me” or make me alive again. God’s promises give us immense strength during times of suffering: “After you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.” (1 Pet. 5:10)

“Lord, accept my grateful thanks and teach me your laws.” (108)

As in the praise psalms, a thankful person will gain access to the Lord’s presence. Spurgeon remarks; ‘If, indeed, the Lord shall accept us, we then desire to be further instructed, that we may be still more acceptable, After quickening we need teaching: life without light, or zeal without knowledge, would be but half a blessing.’

“My life constantly hangs in the balance, but I will not stop obeying your law.” (109)

The meaning of the first part of the verse is; “‘To have one’s soul in one’s hand’ is the same as to be in conscious peril of one’s life,” 18 Though he is extremely threatened, there is never a reason strong enough for him to abandon the truth of God’s words.

“The wicked have set their traps for me along your path, but I will not turn from your commandments.” (110)

316