When our children were small, Psalm 8 was one of the first psalms I taught them. We rocked imaginary babies in our arms, we flexed arm muscles, we looked up, we wiggled our fingers, we drew moon circles in the air, and wiggled our fingers again for the sparkling stars. Now I'm teaching it to my almost … Continue reading Majestic Name, Psalm 8
Torn Soul, Psalm 7
When someone circulates lies and unjust accusations against you, read Psalm 7. The superscription tells us that David sang this psalm to the Lord concerning the words of Cush, a Benjaminite. Since Saul was from the tribe of Benjamin, Cush may have been one of Saul's relatives. From the context of the psalm, Cush apparently … Continue reading Torn Soul, Psalm 7
Loving discipline, Psalm 6
In difficult and distressing times, Christians long to be freed from this body of death and translated to glory. In Psalm 6 David cries to God during a time of intense physical and emotional distress. David acknowledges suffering as discipline when he implores the Lord (Psalm 6:1, ESV): O LORD, rebuke me not in your anger, … Continue reading Loving discipline, Psalm 6
God’s shield of favor, Psalm 5
Why does suffering surprise us? What makes us think we are entitled to a life free from pain or persecution? Why should life be any different for us than it was for David, a man God loved? The psalter overflow with emotional pleas for God's deliverance, and Psalm 5 begins similarly to many others: Give … Continue reading God’s shield of favor, Psalm 5
Sin-free anger, Psalm 4
David covers a lot of territory in the short Psalm 4, but one striking section contains the apparently contradictory command to: "Be angry, and do not sin" (Psalm 4:4a, ESV). Prior to the first verse, this notation appears: "To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of David." The psalmist begins, as he does many psalms, … Continue reading Sin-free anger, Psalm 4
Raging Nations, Psalm 2
Last week's quandary revolved around today's meditation. Should I go on to Proverbs or should I return to the beginning of the Psalms? When I began these psalm meditations in 2010, I posted reflections on only some of the first 55 psalms. I started the New Year with a meditation on Psalm 1 called "Happiness … Continue reading Raging Nations, Psalm 2
Praise God! (Psalm 150)
The last psalm in the psalter rings with praise. It particularly emphasizes instrumental praise, and since it begins with a direct reference to God's sanctuary, it seems a powerful argument for using all kinds of instruments in worship. It begins with a call to praise God in worship and in the vast expanses of his creation … Continue reading Praise God! (Psalm 150)
Singing and swinging, Psalm 149
Psalm 149 contains an unusual combination of joy and justice. It begins with a lilting song of praise, but it ends with a swinging sword of vengeance. Amazingly enough the concepts aren't conflicting, but complementary. Because this particular psalm emphasizes the context of corporate worship, it's an appropriate subject on the day after the Lord's Day. Verse 1 … Continue reading Singing and swinging, Psalm 149
Surviving or Thriving?
We've all had times in our lives when we feel we're hanging on by our emotional fingernails. We do the necessary minimum to keep ourselves and our families alive. We meet deadlines and keep engagements, but we don't enjoy life. We're in survival mode. We feel overwhelmed and pray with Moses: Make us glad for … Continue reading Surviving or Thriving?
Creation’s Praise, Psalm 148
If you're familiar with the blue Psalter Hymnal, published by the Board of Publications of Christian Reformed Church in 1976, you may well know and love #304, "Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah," which is based on Psalm 148. The song's rousing refrain contains antiphonal singing between the men's and women's parts. You may be able to listen … Continue reading Creation’s Praise, Psalm 148
Glenda Faye Mathes 