Psalm 13
This is another psalm written by David. The circumstances are not noted but it is obvious that David is suffering and this is another psalm of lament. The repeated refrain is "How long, Lord?" David recognizes that unless the Lord intervenes, all is lost and his enemies will triumph and rejoice in David's downfall. As in most of his psalms of lament, David ends with a declaration of trust, a recognition of the Lord's goodness and a pledge to praise.
I'm only at Psalm 13 and I am realizing that David is writing a lot of psalms of lament. It seems that David has a keen sense of justice and of right and wrong and when things are not right, he feels that deeply. Not only that, but he recognizes that the reason that things are wrong is because God's right to rule is not recognized. He acknowledges that God is in control even when people do not submit to his right to rule and that ultimately all things will be made right and justice will be restored. These are the reasons for his praise.
There are definitely times when I've wondered, "how long, Lord?" How long until we have a baby? How long until our house sells? How long until poverty is abolished? How long will evil people triumph? How long will injustice go unpunished? There is comfort in the questioning because the questions acknowledge that God is in control; it's his "fault" that these things are happening. When I focus back on God rather than just on the circumstances, I remember that God is also good and loves me very much and then I can turn to praise. I think we need to give each other permission to ask these questions of God. I think we need to acknowledge that our lament and our questions are an aspect of worship. In some ways it is a deeper worship than the surface praise we so often engage in.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
lies & flattery
Psalm 12
This is another psalm written by David. The occassion of his writing is not noted but it is clear from the psalm that David is troubled by the "yes men." Those who flatter and lie are not doing him any favours and are likely hiding evil intentions. The words: flatter, lie, lips and tongue are the key words in this psalm.
David calls for the Lord to arise and silence the flattery and boasting and looks forward to the time when he will rise up to defend the poor and needy. There is a contrast between the utterances of the proud (lies, boasting, flattery) and the utterances of the poor and needy (groans) and the utterances of the Lord (purified silver and refined gold). The proud trust their words to defend them but it is truly the word of the Lord that brings safety and protection.
This is a good reminder for me. I trust too often in my own abilities and wisdom. I trust my ability to argue, debate and reason. I need the Lord's wisdom, the Lord's words, and the Lord's strength. So, today, as I look for a house, I will trust the Lord for his direction, his provision and his guidance.
There is one other impact this psalm has on me: I have ignored and, at times honoured, the depravity of the human race. That must stop. Where I see injustice, I must speak out. Where I see need that I can meet, I must act.
This is another psalm written by David. The occassion of his writing is not noted but it is clear from the psalm that David is troubled by the "yes men." Those who flatter and lie are not doing him any favours and are likely hiding evil intentions. The words: flatter, lie, lips and tongue are the key words in this psalm.
David calls for the Lord to arise and silence the flattery and boasting and looks forward to the time when he will rise up to defend the poor and needy. There is a contrast between the utterances of the proud (lies, boasting, flattery) and the utterances of the poor and needy (groans) and the utterances of the Lord (purified silver and refined gold). The proud trust their words to defend them but it is truly the word of the Lord that brings safety and protection.
This is a good reminder for me. I trust too often in my own abilities and wisdom. I trust my ability to argue, debate and reason. I need the Lord's wisdom, the Lord's words, and the Lord's strength. So, today, as I look for a house, I will trust the Lord for his direction, his provision and his guidance.
There is one other impact this psalm has on me: I have ignored and, at times honoured, the depravity of the human race. That must stop. Where I see injustice, I must speak out. Where I see need that I can meet, I must act.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
a scorching wind
Psalm 11
This is another psalm of David. It is clear that he is facing opposition once again and that even his friends are despairing. The advice they are giving him is to flee because of the overwhelming strength of his enemies. David's response is that God is in control.
There are some strong images: fleeing like a bird, foundations being attacked, raining coals and sulphur, seeing the Lord's face. David's belief is that God is in control and that he is on the side of the righteous and is opposed to the wicked. The implication is that he can be secure because God is in control and nothing can oppose God and his purpose.
The image of the upright seeing the face of God is incredibly intimate and incredibly rewarding. The Scripture teaches that no one can see God and live. Even Moses could not see the entire glory of God but saw his "back". David contends that there will be a time when the upright will be able to see the full glory of God and commune with him face to face. The teaching of the NT is that the time David talked about begins now because through Christ we have full access to the throne of God to find mercy and grace in our time of need. We still see through a glass darkly, says Paul, but the time is nearer when we shall know even as we are fully known.
This is another psalm of David. It is clear that he is facing opposition once again and that even his friends are despairing. The advice they are giving him is to flee because of the overwhelming strength of his enemies. David's response is that God is in control.
There are some strong images: fleeing like a bird, foundations being attacked, raining coals and sulphur, seeing the Lord's face. David's belief is that God is in control and that he is on the side of the righteous and is opposed to the wicked. The implication is that he can be secure because God is in control and nothing can oppose God and his purpose.
The image of the upright seeing the face of God is incredibly intimate and incredibly rewarding. The Scripture teaches that no one can see God and live. Even Moses could not see the entire glory of God but saw his "back". David contends that there will be a time when the upright will be able to see the full glory of God and commune with him face to face. The teaching of the NT is that the time David talked about begins now because through Christ we have full access to the throne of God to find mercy and grace in our time of need. We still see through a glass darkly, says Paul, but the time is nearer when we shall know even as we are fully known.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Arise!
Psalm 10
This psalm was originally the second half of Psalm 9 which means that it was also written by David. The psalm is another lament: the world is not as it should be. In this particular case, the complaint is that the wicked are taunting God with their words and actions and are getting away with it. David calls for the LORD to arise and ends by assuring himself and his congregation that God does see the trouble of the innocent and is keeping a record of it.
David uses some vivid imagery in this psalm. He compares the wicked to a lion who waits in ambush for the weak and helpless. He describes God twice as the defender of the fatherless. He calls for God to break the arms of the wicked so they won't be able to continue their reign of terror.
In my sermon this past weekend I talked about forgiveness. David doesn't have a very forgiving attitude in this psalm. I don't think this is what Jesus had in mind when he taught us to pray for those who persecute us and love our enemies. However, what I notice is that David is not taking revenge. He is asking God to act on behalf of the poor. Of course, it was a bit different in OT times because God did use people like David and all kinds of nations as his instrument of justice. But it is still instructive to notice who David leaves justice with: God. I can remain at peace because I know that the judge of all the earth will do what's right. Yes, there are times I wish he would act more swiftly. Yes, there are times I wish he would act less secretly. Yes, there are times I wonder if hell will burn hot enough to make up for the murder and abuse of the innocents in our world. But in the end, I trust that the LORD is King for ever and ever and there will come a time when mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror. In the mean time, I can pray the prayer of David: "Arise, LORD! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless."
This psalm was originally the second half of Psalm 9 which means that it was also written by David. The psalm is another lament: the world is not as it should be. In this particular case, the complaint is that the wicked are taunting God with their words and actions and are getting away with it. David calls for the LORD to arise and ends by assuring himself and his congregation that God does see the trouble of the innocent and is keeping a record of it.
David uses some vivid imagery in this psalm. He compares the wicked to a lion who waits in ambush for the weak and helpless. He describes God twice as the defender of the fatherless. He calls for God to break the arms of the wicked so they won't be able to continue their reign of terror.
In my sermon this past weekend I talked about forgiveness. David doesn't have a very forgiving attitude in this psalm. I don't think this is what Jesus had in mind when he taught us to pray for those who persecute us and love our enemies. However, what I notice is that David is not taking revenge. He is asking God to act on behalf of the poor. Of course, it was a bit different in OT times because God did use people like David and all kinds of nations as his instrument of justice. But it is still instructive to notice who David leaves justice with: God. I can remain at peace because I know that the judge of all the earth will do what's right. Yes, there are times I wish he would act more swiftly. Yes, there are times I wish he would act less secretly. Yes, there are times I wonder if hell will burn hot enough to make up for the murder and abuse of the innocents in our world. But in the end, I trust that the LORD is King for ever and ever and there will come a time when mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror. In the mean time, I can pray the prayer of David: "Arise, LORD! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless."
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