Heart of a Psalmist - Worshipping Christ Through The Psalms

“I will praise you seven times a day because all your laws are just.” (164)

Spurgeon observes: ‘Do we praise him seven times a day? Do we praise him once in seven days?’ The writer sings because he has encountered the one who is just and the Lord has communicated His perfect law to the Psalmist’s heart. Singing and praising should be as natural for the redeemed person as song is for the language of birds.

“Those who love your law have great peace and do not stumble.” (165)

Isaiah describes the peace that comes from loving God: “And this righteousness will bring peace. Quietness and confidence will fill the land forever.” (Isa. 32:17) The word for stumble is the Hebrew, ‘stumbling block’. Lovers of God will not trip and fall from the path of righteousness.

“I long for your salvation, Lord, so I have obeyed your commands.” (166)

The last three verses of the ‘Shin’ section all affirm his obedience to the commands. In this verse he is still looking for the salvation that has been so long in coming yet he remains faithfully obedient.

“I have obeyed your decrees, and I love them very much.” (167)

The vital connection between love and obedience is here again displayed. Obedience out of love is the greatest action a person can have towards God. “If you love me, obey my commandments.” (Jn. 14:15)

“Yes, I obey your commandments and decrees, because you know everything I do.” (168)

The psalmist is aware of the omniscience of God, his ability to know everything in everyplace. This motivates him to live out each thought, word and action in the light of God’s presence. In verse 166 it was the commandments he obeyed; in 167 it was the decrees but in this last verse it is both that he makes an effort to keep and obey.

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“O Lord, listen to my cry; give me the discerning mind you promised.” (169)

The first part of the verse is a cry to be delivered from the enemy that is without. The second part of the verse is a cry to be strengthened within his mind. The New Testament answers this prayer: “But we can understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.” (1 Cor. 2:16)

“Listen to my prayer; rescue me as you promised.” (170)

Delitzsch describes this as; ‘a shrill audible prayer…a fervent and urgent prayer.’ 24 As the epic song comes to an end he grasps desperately into the spiritual realm for the deliverance that has not yet come. You can imagine this entire psalm being a prayer of the captive Jew in Babylon, year after year endur- ing the oppression of the ungodly.

“Let my lips burst forth with praise, for you have taught me your principles.” (172)

The last section is the most musical, praise filled passage in the psalm. The culmination of the long period of study and meditation on the word ends with a song of praise from the heart of the disciple. The first section is literally “let my lips return praise…” showing us that praise is a natural response to the great acts of God on our behalf.

“Stand ready to help me, for I have chosen to follow your commandments.” (173)

The NIV translates the 1st part of the verse as; “May your hand be ready to help me…” . Peter had cho- sen to follow the Lord as he walked upon the water. When he began to sink the Scripture says; “Instantly

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