Heart of a Psalmist - Worshipping Christ Through The Psalms

It was possibly written at one of the lowest points in David’s life, his tragedy at Ziklag. While he was away, the Amalekites had captured his family and the families of all of his soldiers: “ David was now in serious trouble because his men…began to talk of stoning him. But David found strength in the Lord his God.”(1 Sam. 30:6) God rescued David from disgrace and led him in a path of victory over his ene- mies. We can be assured he will do the same for us.

INTRODUCTION :

“ A Psalm of David. ”

This simple introduction is given to a total of 17 psalms.

I TRUST IN YOU - The Prayers of David- (1-7)

David prays concerning his present distress, his future hope and the erasing of his past failures and sins. Trusting God in all three time dimensions is essential for a life of victory.

1. The Present - (1-3)

“ To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. I trust in you, my God.”(1,2)

The thought behind this declaration is that the ‘lifting’ is not a one time event but a continual condi- tion and position of his heart. His soul is lifted up to God, out of reach of all calamity and turmoil. David’s enemies were not only tangible soldiers but also the inward enemies of fear, anxiety, worry and despair that can only be defeated by declaring our trust in God. The prayer of confidence must be expressed to be experienced.

“ Do not let me be disgraced, or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat. No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced, but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.” (2,3)

Our present confession of trusting prayer will result in a future hope of victory. The door is open to everyone as David says “ no one ” who puts their confidence in God will ever be disgraced. Our declar- ative prayer turns disgrace into ‘his-grace’.

2. The Future - (4,5)

“ Show me the path where I should walk, O Lord; point out the right road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me…” (4,5)

Defeat has a deep humbling affect upon the heart and opens us up to new pathways that we might not have considered before. As David faced defeat at Ziklag, he called upon God to show him which way to go: “ But David found strength in the Lord his God. Then he said to Abiathar the priest, ‘Bring me the ephod!’ …Then David asked the Lord, ‘Should I chase them? Will I catch them?’ And the Lord told him, ‘Yes, go after them. You will surely recover everything that was taken from you!’”(1 Sam. 30:6,7) God has encouraging words for us concerning our future.

“ All day long I put my hope in you.” (5)

The confession of our confidence in God is sweet to our own soul and provokes terror in the enemy.

3. The Past - (6,7)

“ Remember, O Lord, your unfailing love and compassion, which you have shown from long ages past.”(6)

David reminds God of his former mercies shown to the heroes of the Bible before he appeals for his personal forgiveness. He is asking God to include him in the succession of people who received the Lord’s unfailing love.

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