Heart of a Psalmist - Worshipping Christ Through The Psalms

We are not just forgiven, but the guilt is totally removed from our conscience because of the blood of Jesus: “ …how much more the blood of Christ will purify our hearts (conscience) from deeds that lead to death so that we can worship the living God.”(Heb. 9:14) There is also a warning that the time of mercy and conviction will end as in the days of Noah when the floodwaters came suddenly and irre- versibly.

V. COMMUNION WITH GOD - 7

“ For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. Interlude (Selah)

God wants to restore friendship with us, he initiates the reconciliation between himself and those alienated by sin. Here David is ‘hidden, protected and surrounded’ with sweet songs that focus his heart on victory not the mistakes of his past. In Luke 15, the father restored his repentant son quickly with songs of celebration. God is anxious to leave your sins behind and get on with a new life!

VI. CONSECRATION - 8,9

“ The Lord says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.” (8,9) The Lord speaks directly to us in prophecy and invites us to follow his guidance. The renewed in- dividual who was sensitive to the conviction of the Holy Spirit and whose conscience is washed is now sensitive to the inward guidance of the same Holy Spirit. They do not need the harsh, outward bridle of the horse or mule to control them, just the gentle nudge of the knee upon the saddle or slight turn of the reins in the hand of the ‘rider’ indicating the direction the believer must go.

VII. CELEBRATION - 11, 12

“ Many sorrows come to the wicked… ” One last contrast is given between the ‘sorrows’ of the un- repentant individual and the ‘blessed’ person who is declared righteous: “ …but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord.” (10) The last verse of the psalm releases the renewed believer into greater realms of praise because of the mercy shown by God. Where there is great forgiveness, there will be great joy!

“ So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey him! Shout for joy, All you whose hearts are pure!” (11)

The stains of sin are removed from the heart and replaced with glad shouts of joy. This is true and lasting happiness, blessed is the one who is in such a condition.

1 Wilson, page 269 2 Keil & Delitzsch

PSALM 33: SING NEW SONGS OF PRAISE The Dawn of Musical Worship

This psalm has the most musical beginning of all the preceding songs. It emphasizes the harps and the string section of the orchestra in the growing symphony of God’s praises. It makes no claim to au- thorship yet the Septuagint, the ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew bible, attributes it to David. The great themes of the writer are found in the outline:

I. HIS WORSHIP - (1-3) II. HIS WORD - (4-9) III. HIS WILL - (10-15)

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