Heart of a Psalmist - Worshipping Christ Through The Psalms

He drove out the sheep and oxen, scattered the money changers’ coins over the floor, and turned over their tables.” (Jn. 2:15, 16) There is a time for anger to fuel our actions.

“Your promises have been thoroughly tested; that is why I love them so much.” (140)

The promises have been proven to be true in all generations. To the believers in Malachi’s day, God invited them to ‘test him’ by honoring him with their tithes and he promised to bless them in return: “Try it, let me prove it to you! Your crops will be abundant, for I will guard them from the devourer.” (Mal. 4:10, 11) His word has been tested in the fires of experience.

“I am insignificant and despised, but I don’t forget your commandments.” (141)

Jesus fulfilled the pain expressed in this verse at his humiliation and crucifixion, he is a close friend to anyone who experiences the same: “He was despised and rejected-a man of sorrows, acquainted with bitterest grief…He was despised, and we did not care.” (Is. 53:3) Now he has given us his Holy Spirit to help us remember the word of God that we treasure in our hearts; “But when the Father sends the Counselor as my representative–and by the Counselor I mean the Holy Spirit–he will teach you every- thing and will remind you of everything I myself have told you.” (Jn. 14:26)

“Your justice is eternal, and your law is perfectly true.” (142)

The Bible is a book that explains the realities of eternity, God’s unchanging justice, how to gain eter- nal life, the eternal nature of the kingdom of God, the eternal state of punishment; with words that are in themselves eternal and perfect. Peter commented to Jesus: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (Jn. 6:68) It is the only commentary on eternity that is reliable and true.

“As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands.” (143)

God’s word is meant to comfort the soul, remove the negatives and worries, refresh our courage and cause us to stand strong again. “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you.” (1 Pet. 5:7) There is hidden joy in every page of the Scriptures.

“Your decrees are always fair; help me to understand them that I may live.” (144)

The writer of this massive psalm was gifted with a legal mind; he studied how the laws of God were applied to individuals and nations throughout history. His conclusion is that God is completely just and fair in all his decisions. This inspired him to search deeper into the endless wealth of the wisdom of the Lord. Qoph q

“All My Heart” Prayer: “I pray with all my heart; answer me, Lord! I will obey your principles.” (145)

In the ‘Qoph’ section the writer intensifies his prayer life and raises the level of his obedience as the attacks upon himself and the truth of God’s word grow increasingly strong.

“Crying Out” Prayer: “I cry out to you; save me, that I may obey your decrees.” (146)

This is not silent, meditative prayer or even whispered, soft-spoken prayer. The psalmist is desperate and has lifted his voice and whole being to God in volume and sincerity. The whole aim of this petition is that he may have courage and strength to be obedient to the Father’s will.

“Early Morning “ Prayer: “I rise early, before the sun is up; I cry out for help and put my hope in your words.” (147)

This implies he is getting up earlier than his normal routine to lift his voice and proclaim his faith in the words of God. Before the thoughts of fear, condemnation and hopelessness have a chance to choke out the life and joy of his day, he sets a course for his soul by singing and praying the word.

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