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."
Thursday, May 27, 2010
stronghold of infants' praise
Psalm 8
This is another psalm written by David. The occassion for the psalm in not noted although v. 3 indicates that he has just spent some time outside at night, looking up at the stars. It is a psalm of praise, beginning and ending with the same phrase: LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! The evidence of the Lord's majesty is that his glory is above the heavens, that he has established a stronghold against his enemies through the praise of children and infants and that he cares for and given authority to humans.
The section on humanity is the main focus of the psalm. David can't get over the fact that in light of all that God has created, he has given such attention to humans. He's even given them authority over the earth and all the animals. I picture David laying on a hill, looking up into the sky at night and just thinking: that's so big and I'm so small! It's amazing that God even knows I'm here and blows my mind that he cares so much for me.
I like the balance David strikes in this psalm: God is majestic, we are small. His creation is amazing and we are nothing in comparison except for the fact that God created us, cares for us and gave us authority over creation. Our position and authority is given to us not because of our merit but because of God's sovreign authority.
I also like the picture of God's power and majesty in verse 2. It is the verse that stands out to me: God is so majestic and strong that he can build a stronghold against his enemies out of the praise of the weakest and most vulnerable humans. It not only speaks to the power of God but the position God has granted humans: humans have been given such authority and power by God that their weakest and most vulnerable members can created a stronghold merely by their voices. The image of a stronghold made of infants' praise is a very vivid one and fires my imagination! It brings incredible peace and security. It also motivates me to add my voice to the stronghold of praise.
This is another psalm written by David. The occassion for the psalm in not noted although v. 3 indicates that he has just spent some time outside at night, looking up at the stars. It is a psalm of praise, beginning and ending with the same phrase: LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! The evidence of the Lord's majesty is that his glory is above the heavens, that he has established a stronghold against his enemies through the praise of children and infants and that he cares for and given authority to humans.
The section on humanity is the main focus of the psalm. David can't get over the fact that in light of all that God has created, he has given such attention to humans. He's even given them authority over the earth and all the animals. I picture David laying on a hill, looking up into the sky at night and just thinking: that's so big and I'm so small! It's amazing that God even knows I'm here and blows my mind that he cares so much for me.
I like the balance David strikes in this psalm: God is majestic, we are small. His creation is amazing and we are nothing in comparison except for the fact that God created us, cares for us and gave us authority over creation. Our position and authority is given to us not because of our merit but because of God's sovreign authority.
I also like the picture of God's power and majesty in verse 2. It is the verse that stands out to me: God is so majestic and strong that he can build a stronghold against his enemies out of the praise of the weakest and most vulnerable humans. It not only speaks to the power of God but the position God has granted humans: humans have been given such authority and power by God that their weakest and most vulnerable members can created a stronghold merely by their voices. The image of a stronghold made of infants' praise is a very vivid one and fires my imagination! It brings incredible peace and security. It also motivates me to add my voice to the stronghold of praise.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
vindication
Psalm 7
This is another psalm of David. The title indicates that it was written concerning Cush the Benjamite. No further information about Cush is given but from the psalm it is clear that Cush is making false accusations against David. Since Saul was also a Benjamite, it is speculated that Cush had the ear of the king and was speaking directly to him about David. There is some speculation that Cush may have been a code word for Saul himself.
In Psalm 6, David is suffering because of his own sinfulness. In this psalm, he is suffering as the result of someone else's sinfulness. Again, this psalm is a lament. David recognizes that something is broken and takes his frustration to God. David calls for his day in court in order to vindicate himself. What is interesting is that God acts as both Judge and David's Defender. The other interesting image is in v. 14: "those who are pregnant with evil..." A very vivid image!
The flow of the psalm is: I am suffering unjustly because of the untrue accusation of Cush. I appeal to God's justice. God's justice means that those who plant traps for the righteous will fall into them themselves. Because I know that justice will prevail, and therefore I will be vindicated and rescued, I will praise God.
If I lived like this, my life would seem so peaceful to those observing my life. I may cry out to God and rage against the injustices and brokeness of the world but outwardly, I would seem at peace because I would be living with the unshakeable assurance that no matter what accusations may be brought against me, no matter what injustices may be suffered in the world, they will all come to light when the Lord gathers the assembly around him and sits enthroned over them and judges the peoples. All the brokeness in this world will be restored. All the injustice of this world will be brought to justice. All the lies will be revealed by truth. All the darkness will succumb to the light. All the righteous will be vindicated.
This is another psalm of David. The title indicates that it was written concerning Cush the Benjamite. No further information about Cush is given but from the psalm it is clear that Cush is making false accusations against David. Since Saul was also a Benjamite, it is speculated that Cush had the ear of the king and was speaking directly to him about David. There is some speculation that Cush may have been a code word for Saul himself.
In Psalm 6, David is suffering because of his own sinfulness. In this psalm, he is suffering as the result of someone else's sinfulness. Again, this psalm is a lament. David recognizes that something is broken and takes his frustration to God. David calls for his day in court in order to vindicate himself. What is interesting is that God acts as both Judge and David's Defender. The other interesting image is in v. 14: "those who are pregnant with evil..." A very vivid image!
The flow of the psalm is: I am suffering unjustly because of the untrue accusation of Cush. I appeal to God's justice. God's justice means that those who plant traps for the righteous will fall into them themselves. Because I know that justice will prevail, and therefore I will be vindicated and rescued, I will praise God.
If I lived like this, my life would seem so peaceful to those observing my life. I may cry out to God and rage against the injustices and brokeness of the world but outwardly, I would seem at peace because I would be living with the unshakeable assurance that no matter what accusations may be brought against me, no matter what injustices may be suffered in the world, they will all come to light when the Lord gathers the assembly around him and sits enthroned over them and judges the peoples. All the brokeness in this world will be restored. All the injustice of this world will be brought to justice. All the lies will be revealed by truth. All the darkness will succumb to the light. All the righteous will be vindicated.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
anguish
Psalm 6
This is another psalm written by David. The exact circumstances of his writing are not given. The first seven verses contain a vivid description of anguish and suffering. It is not clear if David is suffering because of attacks from his enemies (v 7b and 10 would imply this to be the case) or if he is suffering from some illness which the rest of the psalm implies. It could also be a relational break down that is causing David to suffer in this way. Whatever the circumstances, the anguish is intense: bones are in agony, soul is in anguish, worn out from groaning, bed flooded with tears each night, eyes weak with sorrow.
This psalm is a classic lament. Something is not as it should be and it is causing David great sorrow and even questions: "how long, Lord, how long?" It is clear that David recognizes that God is in control and can stop the suffering if he so chooses. He appeals to God's character, specifically his unfailing love, in his request for relief. His logical argument is: I can't praise you from the grave. Therefore, preserve my life so I can continue to proclaim your name. As in all classic laments, David's emotions resolve. He recognizes that God is still in control and that he is good. Therefore, the enemies of good can look forward to being shamed.
I can remember a few times in my life where my body ached because of my sorrow. I can remember when anguish overtook my soul and I can remember asking God some very similar questions. I think sometimes we're afraid to ask God these type of questions and to express our emotions in this way because we're afraid that we will offend God. I think the key is to remember that God is in control. This brings both comfort and more questions: if he is in control, why doesn't he stop what's going on? Also, we need to remember that God is good and, even in the midst of our anguish, he is communicating his love to us in some way. We can have the same confidence as David, not that our situation will become lollipops and rainbows but that God will accomplish his purpose in this earth.
I also think that we are tempted to think that bad things in our lives mean some sort of bad behaviour on our part. This was David's assumption at the beginning of the psalm. Sometimes it is true; God does use circumstances to correct our behaviour. However, it is not always the case. It reflects the linear thinking that we so often fall into: if I do A it results in B. The downfall of this thinking is that we then believe that we can achieve God's blessing (B) if we just work hard enough (A) and if we're not experiencing God's blessing, then we just aren't trying hard enough. This is not correct thinking. God's blessing is only a result of God's grace and there is nothing I can do to achieve it. In the end it comes down to trust. That's where David ends up; trusting that God is in control, that he is good and that loves us very much.
This is another psalm written by David. The exact circumstances of his writing are not given. The first seven verses contain a vivid description of anguish and suffering. It is not clear if David is suffering because of attacks from his enemies (v 7b and 10 would imply this to be the case) or if he is suffering from some illness which the rest of the psalm implies. It could also be a relational break down that is causing David to suffer in this way. Whatever the circumstances, the anguish is intense: bones are in agony, soul is in anguish, worn out from groaning, bed flooded with tears each night, eyes weak with sorrow.
This psalm is a classic lament. Something is not as it should be and it is causing David great sorrow and even questions: "how long, Lord, how long?" It is clear that David recognizes that God is in control and can stop the suffering if he so chooses. He appeals to God's character, specifically his unfailing love, in his request for relief. His logical argument is: I can't praise you from the grave. Therefore, preserve my life so I can continue to proclaim your name. As in all classic laments, David's emotions resolve. He recognizes that God is still in control and that he is good. Therefore, the enemies of good can look forward to being shamed.
I can remember a few times in my life where my body ached because of my sorrow. I can remember when anguish overtook my soul and I can remember asking God some very similar questions. I think sometimes we're afraid to ask God these type of questions and to express our emotions in this way because we're afraid that we will offend God. I think the key is to remember that God is in control. This brings both comfort and more questions: if he is in control, why doesn't he stop what's going on? Also, we need to remember that God is good and, even in the midst of our anguish, he is communicating his love to us in some way. We can have the same confidence as David, not that our situation will become lollipops and rainbows but that God will accomplish his purpose in this earth.
I also think that we are tempted to think that bad things in our lives mean some sort of bad behaviour on our part. This was David's assumption at the beginning of the psalm. Sometimes it is true; God does use circumstances to correct our behaviour. However, it is not always the case. It reflects the linear thinking that we so often fall into: if I do A it results in B. The downfall of this thinking is that we then believe that we can achieve God's blessing (B) if we just work hard enough (A) and if we're not experiencing God's blessing, then we just aren't trying hard enough. This is not correct thinking. God's blessing is only a result of God's grace and there is nothing I can do to achieve it. In the end it comes down to trust. That's where David ends up; trusting that God is in control, that he is good and that loves us very much.
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