Heart of a Psalmist - Worshipping Christ Through The Psalms

This is a poetical rendition of creation as given in Genesis 1. It involves all three persons of the trin- ity: the Father who commanded the creation; the Son who spoke the word; the Spirit who breathed the creation into existence. The progression is the same as Genesis also. First the heavens were formed, then the vast waters were commanded to gather together and finally the inhabitants of the world were created to comprehend his incredible power and love.

III. HIS WILL - 10-12

“ The Lord shatters the plans of the nations and thwarts all their schemes. But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken.” (10,11)

Every nation has a destiny to fulfill and can only be realized as they accept the influence of the gospel. Nations that are favorable to the word of God will experience success, those who don’t will lan- guish. God’s purpose is clear, to redeem people from every nation on earth! “ After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb.” (Rev. 7:9)

“ What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord, whose people he has chosen for his own.”(12)

This is referring to the Hebrew nation, they who were called to be God’s people. The church, made up of Jews and Gentiles, is now the fulfillment of God’s nation. Although God may choose a nation, they must choose him to qualify as being his people. We have been grafted into Abraham’s ‘tree of faith.’ Peter tells us: “ But you (the believer in Christ) are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are a kingdom of priests, God’s holy nation, his very own possession.”(1 Pet. 2:9)

“ The Lord looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race. From his throne he observes all who live on the earth. He made their hearts, so he understands everything they do.” (13-15)

God begins his work with the creation of the heavens, the seas and the world. He then progresses to his sovereignty among the nations, his work in the church and finally microscopes down to the heart of each individual he has made. This is his ultimate work, bringing the individual hearts of mankind into praise and adoration of their creator.

IV. HIS WATCHFULNESS - 16-19

“ The best-equipped army cannot save a king, nor is great strength enough to save a warrior. Don’t count on your warhorse to give you victory-for all its strength, it cannot save you. (16,17)

It is probable that Asa, the good king of Judah, thought of this psalm as he faced the overwhelm- ing forces of the Ethiopian army led by Zerah. This king attacked Israel with one million soldiers and 300 chariots. Asa prayed: “ O Lord, no one but you can help the powerless against the mighty! Help us O Lord our God, for we trust in you alone.” (2 Chron. 14:11) God gave Asa and his holy nation the victory; it is recounted that the Lord destroyed Zerah and his army!

“ But the Lord watches over them that fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love. He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of famine.”(18,19)

Joseph rescued his family from the severe famine that was upon the whole world. Though his broth- ers had sold him he said these gracious words: “ But don’t be angry with yourselves that you did this to me, for God did it. He sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives.” (Gen. 45:5-6) God has a plan in place for our rescue in times of famine.

V. HIS WORTHINESS - 20-22

“ We depend on the Lord alone to save us. Only he can help us protecting us like a shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we are trusting in his holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone.”

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