Psalms

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“He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3)

January 28, 2013

From David’s famous shepherd psalm. Those that follow the Lord are led on right paths by Him. God does this for the sake of His own Name. God’s purpose is to make us righteous like His Son, who declared “I am the Good Shepherd” (John 10:11). In this leading, God cares more for our character than our comfort. He is not working in us for our pleasure, for our name, but for His Name. Therefore, we do not fear when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, because the Good Shepherd is with us, and His purpose is sure. God is making us like His Son (1 John 3:2).

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1)

January 26, 2013

This Davidic psalm begins with the question that Jesus cried out at the end. David surely wrote this psalm with his own feeling, yet I wonder how much awareness he had that he was describing the Messiah’s death. Did the Spirit awaken him at night to feel the agony of crucifixion: “I am poured out like water, all my bones are out of joint, they have pierced my hands and feet and cast lots for my clothing?” Written centuries before the Romans invented the cruel practice, the Spirit revealed crucifixion to David. Psalm 22 is filled with prophetic details that are only fulfilled in the Son of David, Jesus the Christ.

“Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings” (Psalm 17:8)

January 19, 2013

David’s psalm is a prayer asking God to keep His eyes on him at all times and to protect him from harm. The phase “apple of my eye” is found in several other places in Scripture, is used by Shakespeare, and many a grandparent might use it today in speaking of a grandchild. The metaphor seems to refer to the small reflection an image makes on the round (like an apple) pupil of the human eye. David boldly asks God to favor him like a little child saying, “Look at me Daddy!” And more, “Don’t take your eyes off of me. Make me the center of your attention.” Such a request reveals David’s intimate prayer life. Can we pray like David?

“O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” (Psalm 8:1)

January 8, 2013

David addresses this psalm to both the Transcendent Ruler of all the earth, as well as the Immanent Lover of his soul. “O LORD (יְהוָ֤ה Yahweh) meaning “I AM,” a name so holy that the scribes washed their hands before writing it. And “our Lord” (אֲדֹנֵ֗ינוּ Adonenu, from Adonai), the title the Hebrews used to call upon the One who had made them His chosen ones. Jesus follows this prayer formula in His model prayer, yet reverses the order, revealing an even more personal name (“Our Father” personal/close) in the first place and retaining the idea of transcendence (“which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name”) in the second. We learn much about God from both of these prayers, but Jesus alone gives us the right to pray to Him as “our Father.”

“The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation” (Psalms 145:9)

December 26, 2012

David observed God’s common grace, how He was good and loving to everyone. Rain showers fall on us and our neighbors alike. Yet not everyone acknowledges their Source. For those who do, God gives special grace, showering us with blessings through Jesus, His Son.

“Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you” (Psalm 143:8)

December 24, 2012

God’s Love came down at Christmas. This gift of God’s agape love has your name on it. But it isn’t yours until you open it. Praying this prayer from Psalms is a good way to get the wrapping off. Giving yourself to Him, Christ gives Himself to you. Have you opened God’s Christmas gift?

“Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips” (Psalm 141:3)

December 22, 2012

David’s prayer is appropriate for all, but especially for those who presume to teach and preach. I pray this always, and even more fervently before stepping in front of God’s people on Sunday mornings.

“I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word” (Psalm 130:5)

December 11, 2012

The Psalmist wrote this to be sung while climbing the steps to the temple in Jerusalem. A song of ascent for worshipers of YHWH (Yahweh). Perhaps we should have such songs to sing as we go to church, then we would bring our worship into the house with us. I’m not counting on my credit card, my job, my government, even my preacher… I’m counting on the Lord! I know He will come through for me!

“Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted” (Psalm 127:1)

December 8, 2012

We labor and go into debt installing marble countertops, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors and flat screen TVs, then wonder why our spouses are unhappy and our kids ungrateful. Give your house to the Lord. Invite Him to be the Builder. We need Christ to be both foundation and builder at our house and the church house too.

“Pray for peace in Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper” (Psalm 122:6)

December 3, 2012

Pray for peace in the City of Peace (Shalom in Jeru-shalom). To pray for shalom in Jerusalem is to practically pray for the Lord’s return, as He is the only one who can bring true peace. The most that men can broker is a cease-fire. The city of peace has probably been the center of more wars throughout the centuries than any other. Yet, we do pray for peace in Jerusalem.