Heart of a Psalmist - Worshipping Christ Through The Psalms

Jesus defined his ministry to the poor when he read these words from the prophet Isaiah: “ The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has appointed me to preach Good News to the poor…that the down- trodden will be freed from their oppressors, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.” (Lk. 4:18,19) God’s hymnbook includes a song of freedom for the oppressed.

The motivation of the wicked is revealed:

By the sins of their mouth: “ For they brag about their evil desires; they praise the greedy and curse the Lord.” (3) By the thoughts of their hearts: These wicked people are too proud to seek God. They seem to think that God is dead.” (4)

All wickedness springs from the idea that God is dead. The success of the wicked appears to be assured to them yet they do not understand God’s universal justice:

“ Yet they succeed in everything they do. They do not see your punishment awaiting them. They pour scorn on all their enemies.” (5)

Because of their power they feel invincible and overwhelm anyone who opposes them. Their ar- rogant speech is an expression of the darkness of their minds: They misjudge their future:

“ Nothing bad will ever happen to us! We will be free of trouble forever! (6) They misjudge their present condition: God isn’t watching! He will never notice!” (11)

Their mouths pour out the defilement of their souls:

“ Their mouths are full of cursing, lies, and threats. Trouble and evil are on the tips of their tongues.” (7)

Murder is in their hearts:

“ They lurk in dark alleys, murdering the innocent who pass by.” (8) In a double use of imagery the psalmist likens them to the hunter and the hunted: “ Like lions they crouch silently, waiting to pounce on the helpless. Like hunters they capture their victims and drag them away in nets.”(9) The helpless com- pletely collapse under the powerful surge of their wickedness. “ The helpless are overwhelmed and col- lapse; they fall beneath the strength of the wicked.”(10)

The battle is about to turn as the worshiper realizes their responsibility.

II PUNISH THE WICKED 12-18

This small phrase is a pivotal point in the battle against evil.

“ Arise, O Lord! Punish the wicked, O God! Do not forget the helpless.”(12)

There is inexhaustible power in this petition, it was first prayed by Moses centuries earlier as he was crossing the deserts of Sinai: (See Psalm 3:6) Each day as we follow the Lord we can join the prayer of Moses and call upon God to arise and scatter our enemies. Our worship services are platforms for this petition to be repeated whenever we see wickedness overwhelming righteousness. David sang these words in the beginning verse of Psalm 68:1 “ Arise, O God, and scatter your enemies. Let those who hate God run for their lives. ”

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