Week 3: June 20-26

Psalms 23 (Sun), 24-26, 117 (Mon), 27-29, 118 (Tue), 40, 41, 43, 147 (Wed), 44-46, 119 (Thur), 47-49, 120 (Fri), 121, 144, 149, 150 (Sat)

  • Sunday

    Psalm 23
    The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.

    Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff— they comfort me.

    You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.

    Background
    The 23rd Psalm is probably the best known of the 150 psalms.  It is most used in memorial services.  However, it may be more powerful as a psalm about living, for it puts daily activities such as eating, drinking, and seeking security in a radically God-centered perspective.  To proclaim the Lord as ‘our’ shepherd is to declare loyalty to God and intention to live under God’s reign.  The intent of the imagery is to say that God keeps the psalmist alive.  For a sheep to be able to ‘lie down in green pastures’ means to have food; to be led ‘beside still waters’ means to have something to drink; to be led ‘in right paths’ means that danger is avoided and proper shelter is provided.  The fundamental character of God is ‘goodness and mercy.’  Even in the most life-threatening situations, God’s provision is sufficient.  “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil, for you are with me;...” (v4) Not only a shepherd, but God is portrayed as a gracious host, providing food, drink and protection. 

    Reflection
    The central theme of the 23rd Psalm is that God is the only necessity of life.  In our culture, with the desire for ‘more,’ this sounds rather quaint and outdated.  Consider what this means for your life......depending only on God who will provide.

    To make Psalm 23 our own is a profoundly radical affirmation of faith that transforms our lives and our world.  The daily provision is not to be taken for granted, and not as a reward.  It’s grace.  How does this perspective become transformative for you?

    The image of leading is interesting.  “...he leads me beside still waters; (v2) and “He leads me in right paths....” (v3) Consider how you allow and seek God’s ‘leading’ in your life.  How do you seek God’s guidance?  Can you remember a time when you were sure that God was leading you toward something?

  • Monday

    Psalm 24
    The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it; for he has founded it on the seas, and established it on the rivers.

    Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? Those who have clean hands and pure hearts, who do not lift up their souls to what is false, and do not swear deceitfully. They will receive blessing from the Lord, and vindication from the God of their salvation. Such is the company of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah

    Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in. Who is the King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah

    Background
    Psalm 24 may have been used upon entrance into the sanctuary, a processional.  It may have accompanied the bringing of the ark into the sanctuary.  It is an affirmation of the sovereignty of God, the identity of humankind, and the relationship of the two.  The whole world belongs to God, the creator.  The use of the imagery of ‘seas’ and ‘rivers’ draws on the first creation story in Genesis where God creates out of chaotic waters.  The phrase ‘King of glory’ is unique to this psalm.  Verse 3 asks the question, “Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?  And who shall stand in his holy place?”  The answer comes immediately in verse 4.  “Those who have clean hands and pure hearts...”  These two terms seem to indicate relatedness to God and neighbor.  Those who trust their lives to God receive blessing.

    Reflection
    Psalm 24 is an invitation to view the world in a different way, through the eyes of the creator.  Reflect on your experience of the wonders of creation.  Does that bring you closer to understanding the magnitude of God?

    When the psalm states that they (faithful) “will receive blessing from the Lord,” (v 5), what do you believe that means?  And “vindication from the God of their salvation”? 

    If this psalm was used in preparation for worship, how does it help you to be prepared to be with God?  Further, when you worship, what helps you to prepare to be in the presence of God?


    Psalm 25
    To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me. Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame; let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.

    Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long. Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness’ sake, O Lord!

    Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.

    For your name’s sake, O Lord, pardon my guilt, for it is great. Who are they that fear the Lord? He will teach them the way that they should choose.

    They will abide in prosperity, and their children shall possess the land. The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes his covenant known to them. My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for he will pluck my feet out of the net.

    Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. Relieve the troubles of my heart, and bring me out of my distress. Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins.

    Consider how many are my foes, and with what violent hatred they hate me. O guard my life, and deliver me; do not let me be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you.

    Redeem Israel, O God, out of all its troubles.

    Background
    Psalm 25 is an acrostic poem, with each verse beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet.  The psalm focuses on the character of God, a God who is merciful and full of grace.  It is a prayer for help in the face of enemies.  In God is the psalmist’s only hope against the enemy.  The psalmist asks for God to teach God’s ways and there is a confidence that God will teach and lead.  The psalmist appeals to God’s mercy out of one’s own need for forgiveness.  Psalm 25 implies that the steadfast love and faithfulness of God are reserved for those who obey God, but the psalmist has not obeyed.  The psalmist’s faith and hope derive from and represent the faith and hope of Israel. 

    Reflection
    The psalmist is not asking immediate gratification through prayer, but is willing to “wait all day long.” (v 5).  How difficult is ‘waiting’ for you?  Are we willing to be patient with God?

    The psalmist refers to Israel’s past, mindful of God’s mercy “for they have been from of old.” (v 6).  Recall the importance of the stories of faith that have guided you in your faith journey, in Sunday School, through church, etc.

    The main prayer in Psalm 25 is for God to deliver the psalmist from enemies.  How frequently do your prayers seek God’s help relating to ‘enemies’ in your life?  How often are your prayers to God to help strengthen you in perseverance?


    Psalm 26
    Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering. Prove me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and mind. For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in faithfulness to you.

    I do not sit with the worthless, nor do I consort with hypocrites; I hate the company of evildoers, and will not sit with the wicked. 

    I wash my hands in innocence, and go around your altar, O Lord, singing aloud a song of thanksgiving, and telling all your wondrous deeds.

    O Lord, I love the house in which you dwell, and the place where your glory abides. Do not sweep me away with sinners, nor my life with the bloodthirsty, those in whose hands are evil devices, and whose right hands are full of bribes.

    But as for me, I walk in my integrity; redeem me, and be gracious to me. My foot stands on level ground; in the great congregation I will bless the Lord.

    Background
    Psalm 26 is a request for justice.  The psalmist claims innocence and faithfulness, but falsely accused by enemies.  The psalmist recognizes that the future ultimately depends on the grace of God.  The psalmist recognizes God’s sovereignty and expresses loyalty to God.  The Hebrew word translated ‘integrity’ in verse 1 indicates completeness or wholeness, or total focus on God.  As a means of expressing this devotion the psalmist invites examination.  The psalmist lives in dependence on God.

    Reflection
    It seems that inviting examination by God may be a scary thing.  Reflect on your willingness to open yourself in this way?

    Lifting up our own ‘integrity’ can be dangerous, but this psalm provides a clear line of demarcation between the faithful psalmist and the wicked who follow only the direction of self.  How do you feel about touting your own ‘integrity’ to God?

    This psalm contains a social commentary as well, that there is a major difference in the behavior of the faithful from those who are self-absorbed.  How are your choices informed ‘against’ what you perceive to be against God’s will?


    Psalm 117
    Praise the Lord, all you nations! Extol him, all you peoples! For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord!

    Background
    You might have guessed that the 117th Psalm is the shortest psalm.  It is a song of praise.  It’s theme: Praising God is the proper vocation and goal of human life.  It is not only a claim for Israel, but for “all you peoples”.  (v 1) This is a claim that Israel’s God is the God who rules the world.  Praise is what God expects.  The words “steadfast love” (v 2) (hesed) and “faithfulness”(v 2) (emet) are two of the key words in God’s self-revelation to Moses in Exodus.  This recollection of God’s choice of Israel leaves God with no other option than to be related to a sinful humanity.  Therefore, Psalm 117 grounds the reasons for praising God in God’s fundamental identity.  God can do no other than to love the world and its sinful inhabitants.  God conquers (“For great is his steadfast love” vs 2) the world in a military sense, but in this case, God does so by the power of love.

    Reflection
    This psalm is a good reminder of “the whole world is in His hands”, and those hands are the loving creator.  Is this a good foundation for praising God for you?

    The claim of Psalm 117 that God is God of ‘all’ people might have been difficult for Israel to hear.  And, it could be difficult for us.  ‘All’ means ‘all’.  Do you have any difficulty comprehending God’s steadfast love for ‘all’?

    The eschatological vision of Psalm 117 is not reality.  Can your faith envision the universal nature of God’s love, for ‘all’?  What will it take?

  • Tuesday

    Psalm 27
    The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

    When evildoers assail me to devour my flesh— my adversaries and foes— they shall stumble and fall.

    Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident.

    One thing I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple.

    For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will set me high on a rock.

    Now my head is lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the Lord.

    Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me! “Come,” my heart says, “seek his face!” Your face, Lord, do I seek. Do not hide your face from me. Do not turn your servant away in anger, you who have been my help. Do not cast me off, do not forsake me, O God of my salvation! If my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will take me up.

    Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies. Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen against me, and they are breathing out violence.

    I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!

    Background
    The psalm begins with a strong affirmation of faith in God.  Verse 7 begins a prayer for help, and then from verse 13 the profession returns.  Faith in God does not spare God’s servants from difficulties, but it equips them.  The opening verse summarizes the psalm, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?”  The words translated ‘light’ and ‘fear’ are similar and provide the alternatives, fear or faith.  God is the source and sustainer of life.  The psalmist is seeking the very presence of God, that which “I seek after.” (v 4) It is interesting that the psalmist is seeking ‘his face’ (v 8) because in Hebrew tradition, one would die if they see God’s face.  But that is the power of what this psalmist is desiring.  The psalm concludes with another strong affirmation of faith in the ‘goodness of the Lord’ (v 13).  To ‘wait’ for the Lord (v 14) is a strong expression of hope.

    Reflection
    Even in the threat of death, this psalmist is expressing strong confidence in God.  How difficult has it been for you to maintain faith in such dire situations?

    The psalmist seems to affirm the presence of God, and yet continue to seek a strong presence of God.  Does your experience of the presence of God vary given your life circumstances?  It may be there are times when you feel abandon by God.

    When one reaches the depth of despair and comes face to face with our vulnerability, the depth of our faith is revealed.  Can you recall a time when you reached such depths and had to draw deeply on your faith?  And, were you able to do so?


    Psalm 28
    To you, O Lord, I call; my rock, do not refuse to hear me, for if you are silent to me, I shall be like those who go down to the Pit. Hear the voice of my supplication, as I cry to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your most holy sanctuary.

    Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those who are workers of evil, who speak peace with their neighbors, while mischief is in their hearts. Repay them according to their work, and according to the evil of their deeds; repay them according to the work of their hands; render them their due reward. Because they do not regard the works of the Lord, or the work of his hands, he will break them down and build them up no more. 

    Blessed be the Lord, for he has heard the sound of my pleadings. The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts; so I am helped, and my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.

    The Lord is the strength of his people; he is the saving refuge of his anointed. O save your people, and bless your heritage; be their shepherd, and carry them forever.

    Background
    Psalm 28 is a plea to be heard by God and for God to bring justice to the wicked.  If God does not respond it will be like the psalmist being in Sheol, the realm of the dead.  However, there is confidence as the psalmist refers to God as “my strength and my shield”. (v 7) The focus of the psalm is verses 3 - 5.  The prayer that the wicked get what they deserve is not a matter of personal revenge but a matter of divine justice.  God is left with no choice but to “break them down and build them up no more”. (v 5) Recognizing God’s sovereignty leads to the psalmists ‘trust’.  While the psalmist trusts in God, the wicked depend on the self.  The psalm ends with a communal prayer, recognizing God as “the strength of his people” and will “bless your heritage.” (vv 8 - 9).

    Reflection
    The communal references in the conclusion in Psalm 28 are instructive.  Is salvation an individual act, or does it involve living as part of God’s people? 

    The psalm claims both strength and salvation for the people while at the same time praying for saving and blessing.  The psalmist and the people already experience the benefits of God’s strength, yet not completely.  Is salvation a ‘journey’?

    Those who attempt to make their way by “the work of their hands (v 4) (or the wicked) will be characterized by pride and destructive to community.  Those who trust in God will be characterized by gratitude that leads them into a ‘community’ of God’s people.  Is your life characterized by gratitude and rejoicing, or more prideful?


    Psalm 29
    Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name; worship the Lord in holy splendor.

    The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord, over mighty waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.

    The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars; the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon. He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, and Sirion like a young wild ox.

    The voice of the Lord flashes forth flames of fire. The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness; the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.

    The voice of the Lord causes the oaks to whirl, and strips the forest bare; and in his temple all say, “Glory!”

    The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord sits enthroned as king forever. May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace!

    Background
    Psalm 29 is considered to be the oldest of the psalms, an adaptation of an ancient Canaanite hymn to Baal, a god of weather and fertility.  The enthronement of God is evident in v 9 with the exclamation, “Glory!”  The phrase “the voice of the Lord” appears in the psalm seven times, symbolizing fullness or completion, representing Yahweh’s strength.  The description of the violent thunderstorm in vss 5 - 9 is a theophany, the presence and power of God.  It is a testimony to God’s sovereignty over all. 

    Reflection
    The illustration of God’s power in nature challenges any understanding we might have in scientific humanism and technology.  Ultimately, we are not in control.  God is.  Can you relate your understanding of God to the mysteries of nature?

    As we seem to gain better understanding of the universe, its building blocks and its mystery becomes less, our understanding of God is certainly affected.  Consider how scientific discoveries and theory have affected your image of God over the years?

    Does this psalm speak to our relationship with nature in a way that calls us to more responsibility?  Our culture seems more concerned about seeing nature as the gift of God that we can use as we choose.  Does this psalm have anything to say about God’s overall control, and our responsibility?


    Psalm 118
    O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever!

    Let Israel say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Let the house of Aaron say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Let those who fear the Lord say, “His steadfast love endures forever.”

    Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me in a broad place. With the Lord on my side I do not fear. What can mortals do to me? The Lord is on my side to help me; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to put confidence in mortals. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.

    All nations surrounded me; in the name of the Lord I cut them off! They surrounded me, surrounded me on every side; in the name of the Lord I cut them off! They surrounded me like bees; they blazed like a fire of thorns; in the name of the Lord I cut them off! I was pushed hard, so that I was falling, but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation.

    There are glad songs of victory in the tents of the righteous: “The right hand of the Lord does valiantly; the right hand of the Lord is exalted; the right hand of the Lord does valiantly.” I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the Lord. The Lord has punished me severely, but he did not give me over to death.

    Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the Lord.

    This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous shall enter through it.

    I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation. The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Save us, we beseech you, O Lord! O Lord, we beseech you, give us success!

    Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. We bless you from the house of the Lord. The Lord is God, and he has given us light. Bind the festal procession with branches, up to the horns of the altar.

    You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God, I will extol you.

    O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.

    Background
    There are familiar phrases in Psalm 118.  For example, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone” (v 22) is frequently used as a reference to Jesus.  And, many of us begin our worship service with the phrase in v 24, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”  Psalm 118 is normally categorized as a song of thanksgiving.  Psalm 118 is especially reminiscent of the celebration of the exodus and the return from exile.  This is a celebration of deliverance.  When the psalmist (or the people of God) found themselves in a tight spot, God gave space in a “broad place” (v 5).  The psalmist has experienced God’s help which leads to the psalmist trusting God.  God’s deeds offer life.  Verse 27 seems to express the people’s confidence in God’s presence in the midst of need.  The people are intent on celebrating even during the moment of threat.

    Reflection
    As Psalm 118 is a song of deliverance, how does it’s voice speak to your voice in a time of deliverance?  Can you recall how you felt, and whether you had similar desire to celebrate God’s role in your deliverance?

    To what extent is our faith and trust in God a result of deliverance?

    Possibly more than any other psalm, Psalm 118 is used as a reference to the Messiah, the one Christians believe has come in Jesus Christ.  “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord” (v 26) is often referenced to Jesus.  Do you believe our faith in Jesus Christ is appropriately references in Psalm 118?

  • Wednesday

    Psalm 40
    I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the desolate pit, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.

    Happy are those who make the Lord their trust, who do not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after false gods. You have multiplied, O Lord my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you. Were I to proclaim and tell of them, they would be more than can be counted.

    Sacrifice and offering you do not desire, but you have given me an open ear. Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required. Then I said, “Here I am; in the scroll of the book it is written of me. I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.”

    I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation; see, I have not restrained my lips, as you know, O Lord. I have not hidden your saving help within my heart, I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation.

    Do not, O Lord, withhold your mercy from me; let your steadfast love and your faithfulness keep me safe forever. For evils have encompassed me without number; my iniquities have overtaken me, until I cannot see; they are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails me.

    Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me; O Lord, make haste to help me. Let all those be put to shame and confusion who seek to snatch away my life; let those be turned back and brought to dishonor who desire my hurt. Let those be appalled because of their shame who say to me, “Aha, Aha!”

    But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually, “Great is the Lord!” As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God.

    Background
    Structurally, Psalm 40 is often treated as two psalms, tethered by the transition v 11. Vs 1 - 10 have the character of a song of thanksgiving.  Vs 12 - 17 constitute a typical lament.  Vs 13 - 17 is almost identical to Psalm 70. There is a coherence in Psalm 40.  The psalmist says they have waited for God, and their waiting was not in vain.  God established the psalmist on a solid foundation for life, as “rock” “making my steps secure.” (v 2) Happiness is derived from dependence on God. For the psalmist to offer “an open ear,” (v 6, implies that what the psalmist can hear is more important than what they may do.  And what the psalmist can hear and be open to is God’s will.  The psalmist proclaims God’s rule, which here and elsewhere is characterized by “righteousness.”  The psalmist concludes by aligning with God; the sight of the poor and the needy motivates God to action.

    Reflection
    The movement of Psalm 40 from thanksgiving to complaint reminds us that we all pray out of need.  Reflect on your prayer life, and when you pray with thanksgiving, and when you petition God.

    Consider what the psalmist offers as the ‘new life’, involving trust in God alone, the offering of the whole self to God in openness to God’s instruction.  Is this a goal for your faith journey?

    There is a shadow of the call to discipleship of Jesus.  The psalmist does not see God seeking “sacrifice and offering...burnt offering and sin offering,” (v 6) but the proper sacrifice is the offering of the obedient self.   What feelings come to you when you understand the radical nature of offering your ‘whole’ self to God?


    Psalm 41
    Happy are those who consider the poor; the Lord delivers them in the day of trouble. The Lord protects them and keeps them alive; they are called happy in the land. You do not give them up to the will of their enemies. The Lord sustains them on their sickbed; in their illness you heal all their infirmities.

    As for me, I said, “O Lord, be gracious to me; heal me, for I have sinned against you.” My enemies wonder in malice when I will die, and my name perish. And when they come to see me, they utter empty words, while their hearts gather mischief; when they go out, they tell it abroad. All who hate me whisper together about me; they imagine the worst for me.

    They think that a deadly thing has fastened on me, that I will not rise again from where I lie. Even my bosom friend in whom I trusted, who ate of my bread, has lifted the heel against me. But you, O Lord, be gracious to me, and raise me up, that I may repay them.

    By this I know that you are pleased with me; because my enemy has not triumphed over me. But you have upheld me because of my integrity, and set me in your presence forever.

    Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen.

    Background
    At the heart of Psalm 41 is a prayer for help.  It begins with a beatitude, “Happy are those who consider the poor.” (v 1) Those who are open to God’s instruction are also ‘consider the poor.’  The way one treats the poor follows from the way one relates to God.  Vs 4 indicates a connection between health and sin.  The enemies of the psalmist falsely suggest that misfortune is a direct result of sin, which is a common understanding at this time.  The psalmist trusts that God will raise them up.  It may be a matter of justice.  The psalmist is upheld “because of my integrity”(v 12), but integrity is not a matter of the psalmist’s merit.  It is from the psalmist’s dependence upon God for life.

    Reflection
    Happiness belongs to those who are like God, those who consider the poor.  Most texts focus on personal characteristics of faith, not mission.  Here, faithful persons are those who love God AND love neighbor.  How do you respond to this emphasis?

    Do you or have you considered a connection between illness or death in relation to sin?  Job’s friends suggested that he must have sinned to put him into his situation.  This psalmist argues against that connection.  How do you feel about the connection?

    The suffering of Jesus is often seen in Psalm 41.  Jesus becomes the ultimate paradigm of the faithful sufferer, who entrusts life and future to God and who likewise considers the poor.  Psalm 41 calls it ‘integrity.’  What must you do so you may say with the psalmist, “you have upheld me because of my integrity.” (V 12)


    Psalm 43
    Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause against an ungodly people; from those who are deceitful and unjust deliver me! For you are the God in whom I take refuge; why have you cast me off? Why must I walk about mournfully because of the oppression of the enemy?

    O send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling. Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy; and I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God.

    Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God.

    Background
    Psalm 42 - 43 are considered one unit.  We will offer Psalm 42 for Sunday, July 4th.  Psalm 42 is the beginning of Book II of the Psalms.  Commentators suggest that these two psalms are suited for addressing concerns of the post-exilic era.  Both express the fundamental biblical conviction that human life depends on relatedness to God.  “Vindicate me” can be translated “establish justice for me”. (v 1) God’s steadfast love leads the psalmist to the Temple.  The 4th verse articulates the joy of arriving at the Temple, where the psalmist will respond with praises and the harp.

    Reflection
    This is a relevant message for the contemporary church, professing our faith in the midst of a hostile environment.  Do you ever feel like a ‘resident alien’ as you struggle to maintain your faith in our culture?

    The words of Psalm 42 - 43 can be found in Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:38, John 12: 27).  Even Jesus experienced a disquieted soul.  Maybe review that prayer at Gethsemane and reflect on times your soul was greatly disturbed.

    The good news from these psalms is that we cannot escape the steadfast love and faithfulness of God.  Have you been rescued from a disquieted soul by God’s grace?


    Psalm 147
    Praise the Lord! How good it is to sing praises to our God; for he is gracious, and a song of praise is fitting. The Lord builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the outcasts of Israel. He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names. Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure. The Lord lifts up the downtrodden; he casts the wicked to the ground.

    Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; make melody to our God on the lyre. He covers the heavens with clouds, prepares rain for the earth, makes grass grow on the hills. He gives to the animals their food, and to the young ravens when they cry. His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the speed of a runner; but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love.

    Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion! For he strengthens the bars of your gates; he blesses your children within you. He grants peace within your borders; he fills you with the finest of wheat. He sends out his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly. He gives snow like wool; he scatters frost like ashes. He hurls down hail like crumbs— who can stand before his cold? He sends out his word, and melts them; he makes his wind blow, and the waters flow. He declares his word to Jacob, his statutes and ordinances to Israel. He has not dealt thus with any other nation; they do not know his ordinances. Praise the Lord!

    Background
    Psalm 147 is a hymn of praise that is part of the final collection in the psalter, each psalm of which begins and ends with hallelu-yah.  Psalm 147 recalls Psalm 146 and anticipates Psalm 148 and 149.  Verses 2 -3, and 12 - 14 convey the good news that was announced in the exilic and post-exilic eras.  This psalm is likely post-exilic.  “Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; make melody to our God on the lyre,” (v 7) may be a reference to Miriam’s song in the exodus.  Even the weather becomes a theological matter.   The translation of ruah in v 18 is ‘wind’, but can also be understood as ‘spirit.’   The wind somehow contains and conveys the power, presence, and purpose of Israel’s personal God.  The ‘ordinances’ in vs 19 -20 could more literally be translated  ‘justices.’  The word God sends oust marks God’s sovereign claim on the earth and everything in it, including Israel. 

    Reflection
    Psalm 147 offers a crucial theological insight: the ultimate inseparability of creation and redemption.  In short, how God deals with a particular people in Israel (and the church) is for the fulfillment of God’s purposes for all creation.  Reflect on how you see God’s activity through Israel as a redemptive act for all of creation.

    Revelation 21 speaks of a ‘new heaven and a new earth’, a new creation.  Does that image offer hope for individual redemption for you?

    At the heart of this psalm, in fact of biblical faith, is the claim that the power that has created the stars, the power behind the universe, is the same power that turns a personal face toward us in “steadfast love”.  Is that image comforting, or difficult to comprehend?

  • Thursday

    Psalm 44
    We have heard with our ears, O God, our ancestors have told us, what deeds you performed in their days, in the days of old: you with your own hand drove out the nations, but them you planted; you afflicted the peoples, but them you set free; for not by their own sword did they win the land, nor did their own arm give them victory; but your right hand, and your arm, and the light of your countenance, for you delighted in them.

    You are my King and my God; you command victories for Jacob. Through you we push down our foes; through your name we tread down our assailants. For not in my bow do I trust, nor can my sword save me. But you have saved us from our foes, and have put to confusion those who hate us. In God we have boasted continually, and we will give thanks to your name forever. Selah

    Yet you have rejected us and abased us, and have not gone out with our armies. You made us turn back from the foe, and our enemies have gotten spoil. You have made us like sheep for slaughter, and have scattered us among the nations. You have sold your people for a trifle, demanding no high price for them.

    You have made us the taunt of our neighbors, the derision and scorn of those around us. You have made us a byword among the nations, a laughingstock among the peoples. All day long my disgrace is before me, and shame has covered my face at the words of the taunters and revilers, at the sight of the enemy and the avenger.

    All this has come upon us, yet we have not forgotten you, or been false to your covenant. Our heart has not turned back, nor have our steps departed from your way, yet you have broken us in the haunt of jackals, and covered us with deep darkness.

    If we had forgotten the name of our God, or spread out our hands to a strange god, would not God discover this? For he knows the secrets of the heart. Because of you we are being killed all day long, and accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

    Rouse yourself! Why do you sleep, O Lord? Awake, do not cast us off forever! Why do you hide your face? Why do you forget our affliction and oppression? For we sink down to the dust; our bodies cling to the ground. Rise up, come to our help. Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love.

    Background
    Psalm 44 is the first communal lament in the psalter.  The circumstances nor the author are identified.  While Psalms 42-43 seem to be the prayer of an exiled individual, Psalm 44 is the prayer of a scattered people. Psalm 44 can be heard as an ongoing theological resource for the people of God as they confront their suffering.  The stories of God’s deliverance have been told, “We have heard with our ears..” (v 1) Israel’s past has been evidence of God’s love.  This salvation story turns to rejection.  God is no longer the good shepherd.  “Yet you have rejected us and abased us,...” (v 9) The psalmist concludes that it is “because of you...” (v22) While God is the problem, God is also the solution. 

    Reflection
    This psalm has a profound understanding of suffering.  When you, as a faithful person, find yourself suffering, have you ever turned to blaming God for abandoning you, such as the psalmist?

    Have you wrestled with why suffering exists if God is a God of ‘steadfast love’?

    There is a hint in v 19 that Israel understands their situation to be suffering under divine discipline, although the psalmist argues the punishment is undeserved.  Have you ever considered your suffering be a of divine discipline?


    Psalm 45
    My heart overflows with a goodly theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.

    You are the most handsome of men; grace is poured upon your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever. Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one, in your glory and majesty.

    In your majesty ride on victoriously for the cause of truth and to defend the right; let your right hand teach you dread deeds. Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the king’s enemies; the peoples fall under you.

    Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever. Your royal scepter is a scepter of equity; you love righteousness and hate wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions; your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia. From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad; daughters of kings are among your ladies of honor; at your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir.

    Hear, O daughter, consider and incline your ear; forget your people and your father’s house, and the king will desire your beauty. Since he is your lord, bow to him; the people of Tyre will seek your favor with gifts, the richest of the people with all kinds of wealth. The princess is decked in her chamber with gold-woven robes; in many-colored robes she is led to the king; behind her the virgins, her companions, follow. With joy and gladness they are led along as they enter the palace of the king.

    In the place of ancestors you, O king, shall have sons; you will make them princes in all the earth. I will cause your name to be celebrated in all generations; therefore the peoples will praise you forever and ever.

    Background
    Psalm 45 is a song of praise addressed to the king.  It is a wedding song.  It is important to understand that the king was not only a secular ruler, but represented God’s own sovereignty, to the point that he was known as God’s own son.  God is intimately involved in the life of the king.  Verses 3 and 4, the image of a great warrior, are not for the king’s personal benefit. Rather, they are to be directed toward the enactment of God’s will, with ‘faithfulness.’ The king embodies God’s values.  The psalmist even refers to the king as “elohim” (translated O God by the NRSV), usually reserved for God.  The queen is encouraged to embrace this new relationship which will involve submission to the king but will also bring recognition to her. 

    Reflection
    The inclusion of Psalm 45 in the psalter is often debated.  It does initiate debate around the nature of legitimate political authority.  It has contemporary application.  How different would it be to live in a culture where the king/leader is considered to be a direct representative of God?

    Can this psalm be seen as a song of love between Christ and the church?

    Israel’s experience with monarchs didn’t turn out well.  People of faith have frequently called for political leaders to act in the name of God.  Many expected Jesus to be such a leader as Jews were under the thumb of Rome.  You would not have to look long within our culture to find people who either do associate leaders with religious blessing, or desire it.  How do you view the relationship between political leaders and representatives of God?


    Psalm 46
    God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. Selah

    There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved; God will help it when the morning dawns. The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah

    Come, behold the works of the Lord; see what desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. “Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.” The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah

    Background
    The opening line of Psalm 46 is one of the most memorable.  “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear...” (v 1 - 2a).  The psalm then shifts to focus on the city of God and God’s activity on behalf of it.  This is fundamentally an affirmation of faith.  The psalm begins with a threefold description of God: ‘refuge’, ‘strength’, and ‘help.’  To take refuge in God is to trust in God.  Strength refers to the power of God who is in control.   It points to God’s sovereignty.  And ‘help’ is the result of God’s strength, as the power of God is meant for us.  In the midst of mayhem, there is one point of stability, “the city of God.” (v 4) The city of God is Jerusalem in which the Temple is located.  Verse 8 offers an invitation to “behold the works of the Lord”, or come and see. 

    Reflection
    Psalm 46 reflects how Israel viewed Jerusalem, the symbolic focus of God’s presence.  While Christians do not hold the same reverence for a ‘place’, reflect on how Israel first viewed the Arc of the Covenant, and later the Temple.

    The psalmist is offering the worst possible scenario to say God can be trusted.  In v 2, “Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,...”  Consider your own strength of faith and how such tragedy might affect you and your faith.

    To trust in God one must have faith that God is going to be present in times of need.  For Israel, God chose to be present in the Temple.  How do you envision God’s presence?  Especially in times of need.


    Psalm 119
    Happy are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord. Happy are those who keep his decrees, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways. You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently. O that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments. I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous ordinances. I will observe your statutes; do not utterly forsake me.

    How can young people keep their way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; do not let me stray from your commandments. I treasure your word in my heart, so that I may not sin against you. Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes. With my lips I declare all the ordinances of your mouth. I delight in the way of your decrees as much as in all riches. I will meditate on your precepts, and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.

    Deal bountifully with your servant, so that I may live and observe your word. Open my eyes, so that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. I live as an alien in the land; do not hide your commandments from me. My soul is consumed with longing for your ordinances at all times. You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones, who wander from your commandments; take away from me their scorn and contempt, for I have kept your decrees. Even though princes sit plotting against me, your servant will meditate on your statutes. Your decrees are my delight, they are my counselors.

    My soul clings to the dust; revive me according to your word. When I told of my ways, you answered me; teach me your statutes. Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works. My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. Put false ways far from me; and graciously teach me your law. I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your ordinances before me. I cling to your decrees, O Lord; let me not be put to shame. I run the way of your commandments, for you enlarge my understanding.

    Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes, and I will observe it to the end. Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart. Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it. Turn my heart to your decrees, and not to selfish gain. Turn my eyes from looking at vanities; give me life in your ways. Confirm to your servant your promise, which is for those who fear you. Turn away the disgrace that I dread, for your ordinances are good. See, I have longed for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life.

    Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord, your salvation according to your promise. Then I shall have an answer for those who taunt me, for I trust in your word. Do not take the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for my hope is in your ordinances. I will keep your law continually, forever and ever. I shall walk at liberty, for I have sought your precepts. I will also speak of your decrees before kings, and shall not be put to shame; I find my delight in your commandments, because I love them. I revere your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes.

    Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope. This is my comfort in my distress, that your promise gives me life. The arrogant utterly deride me, but I do not turn away from your law. When I think of your ordinances from of old, I take comfort, O Lord. Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked, those who forsake your law. Your statutes have been my songs wherever I make my home. I remember your name in the night, O Lord, and keep your law. This blessing has fallen to me, for I have kept your precepts.

    The Lord is my portion; I promise to keep your words. I implore your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. When I think of your ways, I turn my feet to your decrees; I hurry and do not delay to keep your commandments. Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me, I do not forget your law. At midnight I rise to praise you, because of your righteous ordinances. I am a companion of all who fear you, of those who keep your precepts. The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love; teach me your statutes.

    You have dealt well with your servant, O Lord, according to your word. Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments. Before I was humbled I went astray, but now I keep your word. You are good and do good; teach me your statutes. The arrogant smear me with lies, but with my whole heart I keep your precepts. Their hearts are fat and gross, but I delight in your law. It is good for me that I was humbled, so that I might learn your statutes. The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.

    Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments. Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice, because I have hoped in your word. I know, O Lord, that your judgments are right, and that in faithfulness you have humbled me. Let your steadfast love become my comfort according to your promise to your servant. Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight. Let the arrogant be put to shame, because they have subverted me with guile; as for me, I will meditate on your precepts. Let those who fear you turn to me, so that they may know your decrees. May my heart be blameless in your statutes, so that I may not be put to shame.

    My soul languishes for your salvation; I hope in your word. My eyes fail with watching for your promise; I ask, “When will you comfort me?” For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke, yet I have not forgotten your statutes. How long must your servant endure? When will you judge those who persecute me? The arrogant have dug pitfalls for me; they flout your law. All your commandments are enduring; I am persecuted without cause; help me! They have almost made an end of me on earth; but I have not forsaken your precepts. In your steadfast love spare my life, so that I may keep the decrees of your mouth.

    The Lord exists forever; your word is firmly fixed in heaven. Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast. By your appointment they stand today, for all things are your servants. If your aw had not been my delight, I would have perished in my misery.  I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life. I am yours; save me, for I have sought your precepts. The wicked lie in wait to destroy me, but I consider your decrees. I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your commandment is exceedingly broad.

    Oh, how I love your law! It is my meditation all day long. Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is always with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your decrees are my meditation. I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts. I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your word. I do not turn away from your ordinances, for you have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.

    Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to observe your righteous ordinances. I am severely afflicted; give me life, O Lord, according to your word. Accept my offerings of praise, O Lord, and teach me your ordinances. I hold my life in my hand continually, but I do not forget your law. The wicked have laid a snare for me, but I do not stray from your precepts. Your decrees are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. I incline my heart to perform your statutes forever, to the end.

    I hate the double-minded, but I love your law. You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word. Go away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commandments of my God. Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live, and let me not be put to shame in my hope. Hold me up, that I may be safe and have regard for your statutes continually. You spurn all who go astray from your statutes; for their cunning is in vain. All the wicked of the earth you count as dross; therefore I love your decrees. My flesh trembles for fear of you, and I am afraid of your judgments.

    I have done what is just and right; do not leave me to my oppressors. Guarantee your servant’s well-being; do not let the godless oppress me. My eyes fail from watching for your salvation, and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise. Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love, and teach me your statutes. I am your servant; give me understanding, so that I may know your decrees. It is time for the Lord to act, for your law has been broken. Truly I love your commandments more than gold, more than fine gold. Truly I direct my steps by all your precepts; I hate every false way.

    Your decrees are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them. The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple. With open mouth I pant, because I long for your commandments. Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is your custom toward those who love your name. Keep my steps steady according to your promise, and never let iniquity have dominion over me. Redeem me from human oppression, that I may keep your precepts. Make your face shine upon your servant, and teach me your statutes. My eyes shed streams of tears because your law is not kept.

    You are righteous, O Lord, and your judgments are right. You have appointed your decrees in righteousness and in all faithfulness. My zeal consumes me because my foes forget your words. Your promise is well tried, and your servant loves it. I am small and despised, yet I do not forget your precepts. Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and your law is the truth. Trouble and anguish have come upon me, but your commandments are my delight. Your decrees are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live.

    With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O Lord. I will keep your statutes. I cry to you; save me, that I may observe your decrees. I rise before dawn and cry for help; I put my hope in your words. My eyes are awake before each watch of the night, that I may meditate on your promise. In your steadfast love hear my voice; O Lord, in your justice preserve my life. Those who persecute me with evil purpose draw near; they are far from your law. Yet you are near, O Lord, and all your commandments are true. Long ago I learned from your decrees that you have established them forever.

    Look on my misery and rescue me, for I do not forget your law. Plead my cause and redeem me; give me life according to your promise. Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek your statutes. Great is your mercy, O Lord; give me life according to your justice. Many are my persecutors and my adversaries, yet I do not swerve from your decrees. I look at the faithless with disgust, because they do not keep your commands. Consider how I love your precepts; preserve my life according to your steadfast love. The sum of your word is truth; and every one of your righteous ordinances endures forever.

    Princes persecute me without cause, but my heart stands in awe of your words. I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil. I hate and abhor falsehood, but I love your law. Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous ordinances. Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble. I hope for your salvation, O Lord, and I fulfill your commandments. My soul keeps your decrees; I love them exceedingly. I keep your precepts and decrees, for all my ways are before you.

    Let my cry come before you, O Lord; give me understanding according to your word. Let my supplication come before you; deliver me according to your promise. My lips will pour forth praise, because you teach me your statutes. My tongue will sing of your promise, for all your commandments are right. Let your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. I long for your salvation, O Lord, and your law is my delight. Let me live that I may praise you, and let your ordinances help me. I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek out your servant, for I do not forget your commandments.

    Background
    Psalm 119 is long and repetitive.  There are eight Hebrew terms repeated that designate God’s revelation.  The most frequent is torah, beginning in the firsts verse.  NRSV translates it ‘law,’ but it can also be translated ‘teaching’ or ‘instruction.’  The other seven include: decrees, statute, precepts, ordinances, laws, word, and promise, all related to ‘torah’.  For the psalmist, God’s revelatory instruction is pervasive and all-encompassing.  .For the psalmist, the importance of God’s instruction is overwhelming.  For the psalmist, torah is never simply a body of legislation.  This psalm is more in line with the prophets or wisdom teachers.  The psalmist remains open to God’s ongoing instruction, to further revelation.  Genuine life is found in openness to God’s instruction and reliance upon God’s help.  The psalmist has an emotional attachment to God’s word that is indicative of their love for and commitment to God.  Human life never stands beyond threat, or beyond need for God’s help.

    Reflection
    Psalm 119 reminds us of our need for ‘instruction’ in the faith.  The psalmist clearly is open to the torah and new revelation from God.  How does your life of faith reflect this desire for ‘instruction’ and openness?

    The psalmist and Jesus were not legalists but were open to God’s revelation in a variety of forms.  Can you remember a time when confronted with a moral decision where ‘torah’ (law, rule) may not have been the answer and how you approached your decision?

    Scripture was a primary source of ‘instruction’ for John Wesley.  But Wesley also relied on reason, tradition and experience.  How do all four elements play into your life decisions?

  • Friday

    Psalm 47
    Clap your hands, all you peoples; shout to God with loud songs of joy. For the Lord, the Most High, is awesome, a great king over all the earth. He subdued peoples under us, and nations under our feet. He chose our heritage for us, the pride of Jacob whom he loves. Selah

    God has gone up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet. Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. For God is the king of all the earth; sing praises with a psalm. God is king over the nations; God sits on his holy throne. The princes of the peoples gather as the people of the God of Abraham. For the shields of the earth belong to God; he is highly exalted.

    Background
    With Psalm 24 and others, Psalm 47 is clearly a liturgical procession.  It begins by inviting everyone to acknowledge God’s sovereignty.  The fundamental reason for praise is God’s kingship over “all the earth” (vs 2, 7) Because God rules over all the earth, “all you people” are included in the invitation. (v 1)   Hand clapping was apparently a gesture of celebration as it still can be today.  God ‘subdued peoples’ and provided a ‘heritage.’  (vs 3, 4) All of this God provides out of love.  In verse 6, four of the six Hebrew words are the verb “sing praises”.  Thus, either God or “our King” are surrounded with praise.

    Reflection
    Like some other psalms, Psalm 47 reminds us that God is the God of all people, not just us.  Certainly Israel celebrates being a covenant people.  We, as Christians, can also be narrow in our understanding of relationship with God.  Reflect on times that you may have forgotten the universal nature of God’s sovereignty.

    This psalm was likely used as a processional into the Temple.  It may remind us of some of our more contemporary hymns used in worship.  How important is liturgy and worship in your life of faith?

    How does our memory of past acts of God in our faith history help us to be hopeful for the future?


    Psalm 48
    Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised in the city of our God. His holy mountain, beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion, in the far north, the city of the great King. Within its citadels God has shown himself a sure defense.

    Then the kings assembled, they came on together. As soon as they saw it, they were astounded; they were in panic, they took to flight; trembling took hold of them there, pains as of a woman in labor, as when an east wind shatters the ships of Tarshish. As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of our God, which God establishes forever. Selah

    We ponder your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of your temple. Your name, O God, like your praise, reaches to the ends of the earth. Your right hand is filled with victory. Let Mount Zion be glad, let the towns of Judah rejoice because of your judgments.

    Walk about Zion, go all around it, count its towers, consider well its ramparts; go through its citadels, that you may tell the next generation that this is God, our God forever and ever. He will be our guide forever.

    Background
    Psalms 46, 47 and 48 could be considered a trilogy.  The 46th Psalm is a song of Zion.  The 47th depicted God’s enthronement and proclaimed God’s universal sovereignty.  Now, the 48th Psalm focuses on God’s particular place, Mount Zion.  All honor Jerusalem, or, more appropriately, honor God.  Jerusalem is important because it is God’s place.  Psalm 48 celebrates God’s greatness, “Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised.” (v 1) Yahweh is the true sovereign of the universe, the genuine “great King.”  The very sight of Jerusalem is overwhelming, to invading kings and to approaching pilgrims.  The city of Jerusalem proclaims God’s greatness and God’s character.  Seeing Jerusalem, the particular place, leads to the powerful proclamation of God’s reign in all times and places.

    Reflection
    There are a number of ‘sacred spaces,’ and what is sacred to you may not be to me.  Think about those places you consider sacred and can experience the presence of God.

    Jerusalem is the most sacred place for Jews.  Can you think of places, churches, geographic locations, that may have similar meaning for Christians?

    For the psalmist, Jerusalem is a symbol that God is worthy of all praise, having defeated enemies of Israel, and God preserving presence with God’s people by faithful love and righteousness. Is there a ‘place’ like Jerusalem for you that helps focus God’s historical faithfulness?


    Psalm 49
    Hear this, all you peoples; give ear, all inhabitants of the world, both low and high, rich and poor together. My mouth shall speak wisdom; the meditation of my heart shall be understanding. I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will solve my riddle to the music of the harp.

    Why should I fear in times of trouble, when the iniquity of my persecutors surrounds me, those who trust in their wealth and boast of the abundance of their riches? Truly, no ransom avails for one’s life, there is no price one can give to God for it. For the ransom of life is costly, and can never suffice that one should live on forever and never see the grave.

    When we look at the wise, they die; fool and dolt perish together and leave their wealth to others. Their graves are their homes forever, their dwelling places to all generations, though they named lands their own. Mortals cannot abide in their pomp; they are like the animals that perish.

    Such is the fate of the foolhardy, the end of those who are pleased with their lot. Selah
    Like sheep they are appointed for Sheol; Death shall be their shepherd; straight to the grave they descend, and their form shall waste away; Sheol shall be their home. But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me. Selah

    Do not be afraid when some become rich, when the wealth of their houses increases. For when they die they will carry nothing away; their wealth will not go down after them. Though in their lifetime they count themselves happy—for you are praised when you do well for yourself— they will go to the company of their ancestors, who will never again see the light. Mortals cannot abide in their pomp; they are like the animals that perish.

    Background
    Psalm 49 is a wisdom psalm.  The psalm address “all you peoples:...” (v 1) The message of Psalm 49 is that rich and powerful human beings, despite their illusions of grandeur and status accorded them by others are not really in control of the world, or even their own lives and destiny.  Only God rules the world and ultimately determines human destiny.  One’s stance on wealth is inseparable from one’s stance on God.  The only proper object of trust is God although the persecutors trust their own resources.  The persecutors boast in themselves.  Such dependence upon one’s own resources, may give the appearance of success, but it is ultimately an illusion.  Life cannot be bought.  There is one unambiguous sign of the human inability to buy life: death.  Death exposes the illusion of human sovereignty.  In this sense, humans and animals are alike.  The psalmist trusts that nothing, not even death, will be able to separate the faithful from God.

    Reflection
    The very success of our economic system subtly tempts us to seek security in our wealth, in effect becoming our own gods.  Examine your own life and see how much desire, rather than need, drive our personal economics.

    In one parable, Jesus makes the case that it is difficult for a rich man to enter heaven.  The disciples question, “Then who can be saved?”  (Mark 10: 26) Jesus replies, “for God all things are possible.”   The psalmist claims “But God will ransom my soul....for he will receive me.” (v 15).  Consider what life changes we need to make to trust fully in God rather than our own resources.

    It has been said that the grave is the great leveler.  Is that understanding a great motivator for you to trust in God, or simply make you sad?


    Psalm 120
    In my distress I cry to the Lord, that he may answer me: “Deliver me, O Lord, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue.” What shall be given to you? And what more shall be done to you, you deceitful tongue? A warrior’s sharp arrows, with glowing coals of the broom tree!

    Woe is me, that I am an alien in Meshech, that I must live among the tents of Kedar. Too long have I had my dwelling among those who hate peace. I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.

    Background
    Psalm 120 is the first of fifteen consecutive psalms called “A Song of Ascents.”  It is likely this collection was originally used by pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem or as part of a festival in Jerusalem.  The noun “ascents” is from a Hebrew root meaning “to go up”.  It could also mean ‘steps’ or ‘stairs.’  While many of the psalms address national concerns, these focus on daily concerns such as family, routine, and residence.  The psalmist is experiencing crisis.  The psalmist petitions God for judgment upon enemies, followed by a profession of faith.  Vs 6 and 7 anticipate peace. 

    Reflection
    This psalm hovers between divine promise and fulfillment, like much of scripture.  Can you see your life of faith as “in between”?

    If we are ‘in between’ people, we are in essence always aliens.  In this sense, does that make the Hebrew stories of deliverance more meaningful to us?

    Vs 7 says, “I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.”  In your experience, is peace always or usually achieved through struggle?

  • Saturday

    Psalm 121
    I lift up my eyes to the hills— from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

    He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

    The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.

    The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore.

    Background
    Psalm 121 is the second of the Songs of Ascents (Psalms 120-134).  These psalms form a collection that was used by pilgrims on their way to or upon arrival at Jerusalem.  The reference to ‘hills’ is not clear, but could be toward Mount Zion, a symbol of divine help.  The Lord is identified both personally as “my help” (v 1) and cosmicly, “who made heaven and earth.” (v 2) Images of God’s protection are throughout the psalm, ‘foot’ not being moved (slipped), “slumber nor sleep” as God is always watchful, “shade” and “moon”, day and night, and throughout time.  No place no time, no circumstance will be able to separate the psalmist from God’s loving care. 

    Reflection
    Psalm 121 is one of the most familiar psalms, in fact, contributing to the Apostles’ Creed.  Could it be an affirmation of faith for you?

    Psalm 121 is a psalm for the journey of life.  We are invited to live as sojourners.  Does it speak to your journey?

    Psalm 121 can literally be used as a psalm of ‘protection’ as we are preparing for or traveling.  Could you use it this way?


    Psalm 144
    Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle; my rock and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues the peoples under me.

    O Lord, what are human beings that you regard them, or mortals that you think of them? They are like a breath; their days are like a passing shadow.

    Bow your heavens, O Lord, and come down; touch the mountains so that they smoke. Make the lightning flash and scatter them; send out your arrows and rout them. Stretch out your hand from on high; set me free and rescue me from the mighty waters, from the hand of aliens, whose mouths speak lies, and whose right hands are false. I will sing a new song to you, O God; upon a ten-stringed harp I will play to you, the one who gives victory to kings, who rescues his servant David. Rescue me from the cruel sword, and deliver me from the hand of aliens, whose mouths speak lies, and whose right hands are false.

    May our sons in their youth be like plants full grown, our daughters like corner pillars, cut for the building of a palace. May our barns be filled, with produce of every kind; may our sheep increase by thousands, by tens of thousands in our fields, and may our cattle be heavy with young. May there be no breach in the walls, no exile, and no cry of distress in our streets. Happy are the people to whom such blessings fall; happy are the people whose God is the Lord.

    Background
    Psalm 144 holds similarities to Psalm 18 ( see June 11th).  Psalm 144: 5 - 7 has transformed the affirmations of Psalm 18 into petitions.  The “aliens” in Psalm 18 have now become the problem in Psalm 144.  Psalm 144 speaks of the failure of human monarchs.  Here, the people realize their true and ultimate hope is in God’s sovereignty.  With the affirmation of God’s sovereignty in Psalm 144, it is followed by the explicit affirmation in Psalm 145, which addresses God as “King.”  Thus, Psalms 144-145 form a pair.  Psalm 144 returns to the use of hesed, God’s steadfast love, in v 2.  Psalm 144 requests a new divine appearance and new deliverance to which the response will be a “new song” (v 9).  The sovereignty of God is asserted and trusted amid circumstances that seem to deny it.  The people are left hoping and waiting and praying for God’s steadfast love..  

    Reflection
    The people of Psalm 144 are living eschatologically, in waiting.  Even in Matthew 5: 3 - 12 Jesus proclaimed that God’s reign was evident in the poor and the persecuted.  Such happiness consists of recognizing God’s sovereignty and accepting the invitation to live in the new world of God’s reign.  Is this the foundation of our faith today?

    Psalm 144 is an invitation not to focus on historical artifacts but on God’s living word and claim upon our lives and world now as we express our hopes and fears.  Narratives of God’s past deliverance can be meaningful to us.  How much more meaningful is our embrace of trusting God in the present?

    The message of Psalm 144 is that the people of God will enjoy lasting peace and prosperity when God gives their king victory in battle.  For Christians, has that victory been achieved in Christ’s victory over the cross?  Is there another meaning for Christians?


    Psalm 149
    Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of the faithful. Let Israel be glad in its Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King. Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre. For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with victory. Let the faithful exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their couches. Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands, to execute vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, to bind their kings with fetters and their nobles with chains of iron, to execute on them the judgment decreed. This is glory for all his faithful ones. Praise the Lord!

    Background
    Psalm 149 is the fourth in a collection of songs of praise.  Psalm 149 completes the movement of transferring the Davidic theology to the whole people, since after asserting God’s sovereignty, it assigns to the “faithful” the task Psalm 2 assigns to the monarchy.  This psalm is eschatological in that it proclaims God’s present sovereignty amid ongoing opposition by nations and their kings.  If God is offering a new exodus, the appropriate response is “a new song” (v 1)  Vengeance is normally assigned to God, but v 7 indicates it is now the people’s role.  Interestingly, the “glory” (v 9) formerly associated with the king, now goes to “his faithful ones.”    

    Reflection
    Psalm 149 is at its root an invitation to God’s people to join with God in achieving justice.  What do you think about the movement from the normal call in the psalms toward complete trust in God and God’s control, to the partnership with human beings here?

    To work for justice, as history has shown from both the Hebrew and Christian perspective, will lead to suffering, and in that suffering is our ‘glory’ (v 9) Is the suffering servant an image that speaks to you and your call to faith?

    The language of Psalm 149 is troubling to some, as it has been interpreted with military justification, with “two-edged swords in their hands.” (v 6) Is this an image that speaks to you?  Is it troubling?


    Psalm 150
    Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty firmament! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his surpassing greatness!

    Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with clanging cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! Let everything that breathes praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!

    Background
    Every half-line begins with an imperative form of the verb “praise, except the final verse which puts the subject first —”everything that breathes”.  The psalm serves as a doxology to conclude Book V and the whole psalter.  Psalm 150 is an enthusiastic invitation to all creatures to yield themselves to God.  Vs 1 and 2 affirm God’s rule.  “Sanctuary” is the abode of God, but it’s not clear whether that is a heavenly place or the Temple.  All creatures are summoned to praise God because God rules the world.  The final verse (6) is emphatic.  The symphony of praise must ultimately include all creatures.  The word “breathes” recalls the creation story and the God’s breath of life into the human.  (Genesis 2: 7).  Psalm 150 proclaims that the proper goal of every creature is praise – life shaped by God’s claim and lived under God’s rule.  To praise God is to live, and to live is to praise God.

    Reflection
    The instrumentation involved in praising God is evident in Psalm 150.  ‘Trumpet’, ‘harp’, ‘lute’, ‘tambourine’, ‘strings’, ‘pipe’, “with loud clashing cymbals!” (v 5) The use of some forms of instrumentation in church have become controversial in recent years.  Guitars, drums, etc. have become a staple in worship.  Does it matter to you which instruments are used to praise God?

    The reference to ‘breath’, or ruah in Hebrew, ties together this final call to worship God and the creation story, with God breathing into the human.  Such total effort to ‘praise’ God is quite a commitment.  How close do you think we can come to achieve such an invitation?

    One theory in theoretical physics is called ‘string theory’.  It suggests that the foundation of the created universe involves vibrating strings, such as one might find on a musical instrument.  Can you imagine a universe consisting of music?  Can you imagine God creating by singing forth through vibrating chords?  What if music is the foundation of the universe.  Maybe Psalm 150 is correct, that God’s provision of life (music) requires us to respond in kind (with music).