Heart of a Psalmist - Worshipping Christ Through The Psalms

Discernment is described as ‘keenly selective judgment’, the ability to make the wisest choice in every situation. Love for God and his word is the pre-requisite for receiving and applying discernment and understanding into life: “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowl- edge and depth of insight…” (Phil. 1:19)

“Lord, it is time for you to act, for these evil people have broken your law.” (126)

These evil people have cast God’s law behind their backs thinking it would make it void and can- celled. But the laws of God are eternal and cannot be discarded; when people invite chaos by their law- lessness God will intervene: “For there is going to come a day of judgment when God, the just judge of all the world, will judge all people according to what they have done.” (Rom. 2:5, 6)

“Truly, I love your commands more than gold, even the finest gold.” (127)

This verse supposes that the psalmist had opportunity to choose between “gold” and obedience to God. Only “love” given and sustained in our hearts by the Holy Spirit can overcome the temptation to serve money: “No man can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” (Mt. 6:24)

“Truly, each of your commandments is right. That is why I hate every false way.” (128)

The psalmist does not choose which commandments he will obey but accepts the entire body of the word as his guide. Every “false way” is unmasked and addressed by the truth of the word of God. Se- lective obedience is not obedience at all as it places us in the position of judging God’s law.

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“Your decrees are wonderful. No wonder I obey them!” (129)

God’s laws are amazing and strange, they rise above the average thoughts and events of life. A wonderful God unfolds the riches of his word to those who seek to obey them. God’s commands lead us to his blessings as we follow them sincerely.

“As your words are taught, they give light; even the simple can understand them.” (130)

When gifted teachers correctly explain God’s word, there is illumination to the mind and spirit. Dur- ing the spiritual awakening in Nehemiah’s day, the Levites helped the people to understand the law: “They read from the Book of the Law of God and clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage.” (Neh. 8:8) In addition to gifted teachers in the church, we have the precious Holy Spirit who opens our understanding to the truths of his word.

“I open my mouth, panting expectantly, longing for your commands.” (131)

‘So animated was his desire that he looked into the animal world to find a picture of it.’ 22 He describes an animal that is excruciatingly thirsty, longing for water to quench the aching dryness of its body. This depiction translates into the condition of his soul as he cries out for the waters of the Spirit that flow from the beauty of God’s word.

“Come and show me your mercy as you do for all who love your name.” (132)

“Turn my way, look kindly on me…” (Message) Literally, ‘turn round and look upon me,’ 23 Love for God’s name captures his full attention. It is his constant rule to show mercy to all who call upon him; no one who loves Jesus is excluded.

“Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by any evil.” (133)

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