Heart of a Psalmist - Worshipping Christ Through The Psalms

A Look Up to Heaven-

“ But you are holy, who inhabit the praises of Israel.” (v.3 NKJV)

A song is born in times of suffering. During his crucifixion Jesus looks to the throne of His Father and hears the beautiful songs of praise that are the very atmosphere of eternity. Perhaps he joined in the praise knowing that ‘the songs…are like the wings of the cherubim, upon which his presence hov- ered in Israel 2 .” Even on the cross, there was a faint song of praise in our Savior’s heart.

A Look Back into History-

“ Our ancestors trusted in you, and you rescued them. You heard their cries for help and saved them. They put their trust in you and were never disappointed.”(4,5)

In times of ‘crucifixion’ and distress it is comforting to remember those in the Bible who trusted God and were delivered from their difficult circumstances. God is consistent and will help those who trust him now.

The Pain of Rejection-

“ But I am a worm and not a man. I am scorned and despised by all! Everyone who sees me mocks me. They sneer and shake their heads, saying, Is this the one who relies on the Lord? Then let the Lord save him! If the Lord loves him so much, let the Lord rescue him! “ (6-8) One of the great sufferings of Christ on our behalf was ‘rejection.’ He was despised like a worm, which is the lowest of animal life so we could feel the acceptance of God and the love of others. These verses literally happened on the cross; “ And the people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery…Well then, if you are the Son of God, save yourself and come down from the cross!” (Mt. 27:39,40)

A Look Back to His Beginnings-

“ Yet you brought me safely from my mother’s womb and led me to trust you when I was a nursing infant.I was thrust upon you at my birth. You have been my God from the moment I was born.” (9,10)

Jesus looks back to the night of his miraculous birth and the loving care of his tender mother: “ She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger…(Lk. 2:7) He recalls the heavenly choir singing to the entire world. He remembered the prophetic word of the angel to Joseph: “ And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Mt. 1:21) And now the time of the fulfillment of this prophecy had come. He was born for ‘the cross’ and he knew it was the only pathway to the resurrection and new life for mankind. “ Do not stay so far from me, for trouble is near, and no one else can help me. My enemies surround me like a heard of bulls; fierce bulls of Bashan have hemmed me in! Like roaring lions attacking their prey, they come at me with open mouths.”(11-13) Bashan was known for its rich pasture and strong, healthy livestock. Here the ‘deer of the morning’ is surrounded by two groups of animals that could possibly represent the leaders of Israel, (bulls) and the nation of Judah, (lions) as the lion was the symbol for Judah’s tribe. Complete Suffering at the Cross- • Life- “ My life is poured out like water, (14) As a pitcher of water is emptied slowly, the blood and life of the Son of God is poured from his body through his wounds. The Bulls and Lions Attack-

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