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
Breaking teeth, Psalm 3
David wrote Psalm 3 when he fled from his son, Absalom. That chaotic scene appears in 2 Samuel 15:13-16:14, but the roots of this complex narrative go back to Ammon's rape of Tamar in 2 Samuel 13 and even further back to David's sins that begin in 2 Samuel 11. Much could be written about not only … Continue reading Breaking teeth, Psalm 3
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
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
Broken hearts and changing seasons, Psalm 147
Praise builds as we near the end of the Psalter, and Psalm 147 overflows with praise. It also begins with a section of great comfort to the brokenhearted then cycles through sections with seasonal imagery. Identical praise phrases bookend the psalm. Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for … Continue reading Broken hearts and changing seasons, Psalm 147
No trust in princes, Psalm 146
After two great sermons yesterday from Philippians that stressed our need to delight in Christ and imitate his servant attitude, my spirit rejoices as Psalm 146 conveys delight and trust in the Lord as our only hope. The psalm begins, as so many do, with a rousing call of praise: Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, … Continue reading No trust in princes, Psalm 146
Glenda Faye Mathes 