Chapin's Corner

Psalm 18

2011-09-30T13:41:00.000-07:00

Scaling Walls

It is fun to see the super hero movies. They may be a little cheesy (OK a lot cheesy) but it is fun to let the imagination loose and think that I could be that super hero. Problem is, I get so caught up in my mild mannered alias and the issues of normal life that the great things I imagine are just about as believable as these comic book heroes on screen.

That said, Psalm 18 begins with a great affirmation of love for the Lord and a recognition that it is the Lord who provides strength. The enemies do not stand a chance. Even death is no match for the Lord who controls heaven and earth. Several lines are written showing God's power. In the midst of this is verse 29 that sparked my thinking for this bit of meditation. Here David says that "With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall." I think of my lack of strength due to treatments for leukemia and how once seemingly simple tasks require much effort (even things as simple as opening a jar or walking up steps carrying some boxes). What once was done without thought now requires a bit of planning and sometimes extra tools to accomplish. What I appreciate about David in this statement is that he takes what might be very difficult to impossible to accomplish on his own and says that with God, all things are possible. I can leap over this building in a single bound. I am more powerful than a locomotive. Ok, he would not have known about a locomotive, but he saw God's power as being able to take care of a troop with ease. A few years ago my son heard a guy at a youth rally use as an illustration from 2 Kings 19:35 where one angel of God smote 185,000 battle ready men who were threatening God's people. The observation was made that you don't want to mess with an angel of God. Last week I read in Isaiah of that same story of Sennacherib, King of Assyria, really challenging Hezekiah and the people of Judah. He was belittling God and his strength. God's angel made a believer of Senacherib and he left with his tail between his legs as it were, and shortly after that he was assassinated. Hmmmm. God is weak??? No way. God is good about taking impossible situations and doing the impossible. Illustration after illustration can be seen in scripture – Abraham and his men defeating four kings and their army who had just mopped up on five kings and took off with the plunder, the defeat of Jericho simply by marching and yelling at the right time, Gideon's victory with a paltry 300 men who did nothing but break pots off of their torches and yelled, the virgin birth of Jesus, raising people from the dead, controlling the winds and the waves, healing lifelong infirmities, and on and on.

But is this true for us? In our cynical and rationally driven world (and I say that tongue-in-cheek) God does not work that way. Who says? Leukemia and cure was not said in the same sentence, yet right now there is no longer any sign of leukemia in my system. Was it all science and man's wisdom? I don't think so. Neither did one of my doctors who told me that he prayed for me and his other patients before coming to work. He is one of of the leading leukemia Drs. in the world, yet he admits his inadequacies apart from God. Why can we not just say, "Thank you God," and give him credit for a miracle? Oh, wait . . . we can.

I want to be more like David and recognize that even I can do the impossible when God is with me. And I cry out, "The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior! (Psalm 18:46). Now with God's help I too can say with David, "I will praise you among the nations, O Lord; I will sing praises to your name." That's being a real super hero.

Psalm 17

2010-02-04T07:34:00.000-08:00

Individual Lament attributed to David

In reading this psalm I am struck with the self evaluation of being honest, pure in speech, staying on the right path, and being righteous. Based on observations of people who have had this kind of view of themselves who did not measure up to their exalted estimate of their life my first response is to cringe a bit and wonder how a person could be so bold. This mornings Bible reading included Luke 18:9-14 where Jesus tells a story of two men in the temple praying, one a self-righteous man whose high view of himself caused him to look down on others. Romans 12:3 says we should not think more highly of ourselves than we ought, and on and on we could list passages that warn of pride or exalting self.

Looking at what God has done for us in cleansing us of sin, dwelling in us, giving us strength for the day, and providing a way to say no to temptation we CAN live as David says he lived. There is an important thing to note about why Jesus told the story of the two men praying. He told it because of people who's confidence was in their own righteousness and looked down on others. It is not that a person cannot be righteous because of their relationship with God. It is God's righteousness we count on and take on as our own. But if we start thinking about how good we are and in the process look down on others, we have messed up. John has a lot to say about how we live. Listen to this: "Anyone who continues to live in him will not sin . . .," 1 John 3:6 NLT; ". . . when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil . . . the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil," 1 John 3:8 NLT; "Those who have been born into God's family do not make a practice of sinning, because God's life is in them. So they can't keep on sinning, because they are children of God," 1 John 3:9 NLT; and on and on John writes. The Romans 12:3 passage referred to a moment ago goes on to say we are to evaluate ourselves by the faith God has given us. It is not by comparison to other people, for that leads to arrogance and pride. We are to live humbly toward others, considering them better than ourselves, Philippians 2:3. It is not that we cannot live righteous lives, for that is what we are called to be. It is how we live in relation to others.

Back to the psalm -- David calls upon God to protect, to rescue, to destroy the enemies, and to satisfy his people. An interesting verse is 14 which starts off, "By the power of your hand, O Lord, destroy those who look to this world for their reward." Isn't that the key to life and being righteous? Our eyes are not on this world -- we know our reward is in heaven, not here. So we walk through this world with God and his ways on our mind. Then we can say with David, "Because I am righteous,I will see you. When I awake, I will see you face to face and be satisfied," Psalm 17:15 NLT

Lord, help us to have this confidence that David had that he could indeed walk in your way and see you. Keep us from pride that begins to trust in our own ability that then comes across to others as arrogance. Lead us in the paths of righteousness so that we will see your face and be satisfied.

Psalm 16

2009-02-03T05:46:00.000-08:00

Psalm of Trust

I love the confidence expressed in the "trust" psalms. It is very encouraging to hear someone make such statements as:

v. 2 -- I said to the Lord, “You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from you.” (NLT)

v. 6 -- The land you have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance! (NLT)

v. 8 -- I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. (NLT)

v. 9 -- No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety.(NLT)

v. 11 You will show me the way of life,granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.

Here is the recognition that everything we have is from the Lord. We do not have to fear circumstances surrounding us, for the Lord is beside us. Our hearts can be be happy knowing that the Lord is ever present. Our future is secure. What a powerful message. This is yet another psalm attributed to David. I don't mind saying, "David said . . ." because the Lord did that very thing in reference to Psalm 110. Peter quotes from this psalm in Acts 2 and says it was written by "King David." David had a lot of issues that he faced in life. It seems like he had one calamity after another whether it was fleeing for his life, or suffering consequences of his poor choices like with Bathsheba and when calling for a census. The death of an infant has to weigh heavy on his spirit, as well as the death of his older children. Even when they tried to usurp the kingdom from him, he still loved them and grieved. So, David had much in his life that could cause bitterness. Yet here he is crediting God with all that is good in life.

I look at my life and it has truly been protected. I've had some times of trials, but overall life has been pretty good. God has blessed me incredibly. Sometimes I have the wrong kind of attitude toward the things I have been blessed with -- I become possessive. When I have the right frame of mind I realize that I have nothing apart from God's gifts, then I don't hang on so tightly to the stuff that I want to protect.

Psalm 16 is a good devotional read -- good for picking up the spirit -- good for meditating on the blessings of God.

Psalm 15

2009-01-19T07:35:00.000-08:00

Psalm of Innocence

This has become one of my favorite psalms ever since my brother, Tom, set it to music. The simple melody along with positive living exhortation connected in such a way as to strike a chord in my own heart.

There are three places that immediately come to my mind that are summation passages:

The "Golden Rule," Matthew 7:12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. (NIV)

The "Greatest Commandment," Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ [38] This is the first and greatest commandment. [39] And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ [40] All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (NIV)

Within a discussion that talks about our freedom from the law, Galatians 5:14 The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (NIV)

I see psalm 15 in this light. Five short verses that talk about treating people right. I hear, "do to others what you would have them do to you," and "love your neighbor as yourself" in these passages. Life is not about what we can get out of it -- how much money we can make, how high on the social ladder I can climb, how fashionable I can be, how many toys I can amass, what kinds of things I can do for my own pleasure, how smart I can become -- life is about getting along with others -- treating them right. Things are immaterial to God, but people are made in his image. They matter a whole lot. Treating people right is what God says is the way to fulfill all of his "commands" for us.

Funny thing -- when we turn things like this into a check list, OK here's my "to do" list:
□ be blameless
□ do what is right
□ speak truth
□ won't slander
□ won't do evil
□ won't talk bad about someone
□ despise a vile person
□ honor those who fear God
□ keep promises
□ lend money without excess interest
□ won't accept a bribe against the innocent
The list itself becomes the motivation. When that happens it is easy to focus on pet things in the list. "Yeah, I really like that despising a vile person. I'm going to be very good at that." And then the whole "treat people right" basis goes down the drain. That is what I believe happens in some churches today. The lists that are made up become the focus and the reason behind it is lost. Worship becomes a check list along with other aspects of our life. That is not what I see from scripture is God's desire for us. It is not about lists, but about relationships -- treating people right.

Lord, help me keep my focus on you. May I emulate your nature so that what I focus on will truly be your desire. May I be more interested in people as you are, not in some fabricated check list.

Psalm 14

2009-01-16T06:52:00.000-08:00

Oooh, this one will preach!!! Classified as a wisdom psalm, it is a welcome respite from the laments.

An e-mail that makes the circuits every once in a while about a Florida judge that had a case before him to give the atheist a special holiday is said to have quoted Psalm 14:1 in his ruling that the atheist already had a special marked on the calendar, April 1, April Fools Day. I haven't checked out the validity of this story, but it is fun to think about. Man thinks he is so powerful and so wise. What do we need with a god? For all the things God allows us to learn, there are still numerous things that are beyond our reach. I love the section in Job where God finally gives Job an audience and then this barrage of questions are asked of Job (Job 38-41) that are impossible for him to answer. When I get a case pride, I need a dose of this kind of reality. I need a dose of Job's response of putting his hand over his mouth.

In another part of my devotional reading this morning I read, "We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer" (Proverbs 16:1). Same kind of perspective change. Ultimate I am the Lord's. It is not my plans, my will that is important, but the Lord's.

And where have I heard Psalm 14:3 before, "there is none righteous, no not one"? I too often want to compare myself with other people and somehow justify my mistakes as being "not as bad as this person's mistakes." Big deal. How does that make my sin any less a sin? How does that justify my actions? I looked also at Psalm 142:2 where the plea is made, "Don't put your servant on trial, for no one is innocent before you."

The final outcome as David sees it is "Terror will grip them [the athiest], for God is with those who obey him. The wicked frustrate the plans of the oppressed, but the Lord will protect his people" (Psalm 14:5-6). When eyes are on circumstances around us, it seems like Satan is winning. When eyes are on the Lord, a different outcome is seen. I'm relieved at that. I'm relieved that provision has been made for my helpless condition of being unrighteous. I am thankful that I can be one of God's people and can find protection.

No FEAR!

Father, thank you for providing for needs my arrogance may not know exist. Thank you for helping me see how lost I am without you. Help me to be wise and continue to acknowledge that you are God.

Psalm 13

2009-01-15T18:56:00.001-08:00

Psalm 13 is big time lament. David has hit bottom. He is at a point where he feels God is far away.

My first reading of this today was in the New Living Translation. Verse three caught my attention in that reading. "Turn and answer me, O Lord my God! Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die." Working in ministry for a number of years has let me see people who have lost the sparkle in their eyes. Some have been in their own pits of despair. Some were on their death beds, others were just weighted down with life -- they felt abandoned.

One thing our faith offers us that is essential to having that sparkle in our eyes is hope. When there is hope, there is a spark of life. Hope is what I rely on every day. Somewhere along the way David found a spark of hope. "But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me. I will sing to the Lord because he is good to me." Was there healing between verse 4 and 5? Or is this the sparkle coming back into his eyes that lets him find the healing first mentally and then physically? I'm still encouraged by the strength shown in these psalms -- even when things seem hopeless, there is a confidence expressed that turns to the Lord. That helps me do the same.

Thank you Lord for the transparency of David. He shows us his humanity, then he shows us what can happen through faith. Thank you for the hope you have given me that gives me confidence as well to turn to you when things seem to be falling apart.

Psalm 12

2009-01-14T06:53:00.000-08:00

This has been classified as both an individual lament and a communal lament.

Sounds like it was written about our times, especially given the election we just came through. The lament is that good people are nearly extinct while liars are plentiful. Verses 1-4 emphasize the untrustworthy nature of men's words.

By contrast, God's words can be trusted. They are pure, and he keeps his word.

Jesus addresses the importance of honesty when he says, "Simply let your yes be yes and your no, no; anything beyond this comes from the evil one" (Matthew 5:37). That is hard to do sometimes.

Paul teaches us to "put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor . . ." (Ephesians 4:25) and then adds this about our speech, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen" (Ephesians 4:29). Speaking the truth is one thing, but refraining from speaking when it is not beneficial is quite another thing. I wish I had better self-control and would keep my mouth shut when my words are not helping matters.

Lord, it is easy to complain about how others are not telling the truth and to call for you to straighten them out. But may it begin with me. May my mouth be truthful and my intent pure. May my words be trusted. May I have the wisdom to know how to speak at the appropriate times and to be silent when I need to be.

Psalm 11

2009-01-13T08:50:00.000-08:00

This psalm has been categorized as a psalm of trust. What came to mind as I was reading it was that of confidence.

The phrase in verse 1, "Flee like a bird to your mountain" made me think of the old song of the same title. I assume that Mary Dana, the writer of that song had this verse in mind. However her use of the phrase and David's are two different things. David has some advisers who are telling him to flee as a bird -- there are people after you. David says wait a minute. "The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord is on his heavenly throne," verse 4. What I see him saying is that with the Lord in control, why should I worry. He'll take care of the wicked. It is the same kind of confidence of Psalm 3, "I am not afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me."

There were times when David did flee for his life. There are times when he stood up and faced his giant. The Lord was with him in both kinds of situations. But the times he stands up in defiance to the conventional wisdom and expresses tremendous faith inspires me. That's what I get from this psalm.

Lord, I ask for wisdom to know when to stand up and fight and when to keep my mouth shut until there is a more appropriate time. When courage is needed to speak, may my confidence be in the fact that you are on your throne and you will empower me to do and say what is needed for the moment.

Psalm 10

2009-01-12T04:50:00.000-08:00

The mood shifts now in psalm 10 to lament. "Where is God?" David cries. It seems there is a description of the atheist here. He scoff at the Lord and certainly does not look for him and contends there is no God. I am reminded of the Freedom from Religion Foundation's sign that was hung on the third floor of the Washington State Capital next to the nativity scene this last Christmas season saying, "At this season of the winter solstice, may reason prevail. There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds." I am aggravated that faith is belittled and blamed for the problems of the world. But I can't help but wonder if the real crime is when people of faith have a Peter moment where faith is overshadowed by denial. I imagine the latter hurts the Lord worse than the open hostility.

In the midst of the description of the faithless comes the plea for God to make his presence known, "Arise, O Lord; O God, lift up your hand," v. 12. "The wicked have mocked you long enough" seems to be the cry. "Now do something about it."

This psalm closes with the acknowledgment that God is sovereign; he rules the nations, he hears the humble and gives strength. NASB95 translates the last two verses in a confident manner, "You have heard . . . You will strengthen . . . You will incline your ear . . ." Ultimately the call is for God to rid the world of the wicked. Bring it on.

Lord help me see the times I may be faithless and act as if you do not exist. Break my heart when it happens so that I, like Peter will have bold conviction to move on in faith. I look at our world and shake my head at the boldness of the faithless and have thoughts like David of wondering where you are -- how does this wickedness fit in with your overall plan? I ask for patience, knowing that you really are in charge of the nations and will take care of the wicked. I ask for strength to stand strong in faith. I ask for a Jesus-like spirit that will lift up the weak, and encourage the oppressed. Open my eyes to see how you can use me to bring about your peace.

Psalm 9

2009-01-11T04:29:00.000-08:00

I am not well versed in Hebrew so I do not see the acrostic nature of this psalm and psalm 10 on my own. Having said that I have a good imagination and when I am told of this style of poetry being used, I get a picture going in my head of the alphabetic pattern. This poetic device used in Psalm 9 and 10 and the fact that 10 picks up where 9 left off in the the sequence of the alphabet is evidence enough say they probably go together as one psalm. Add to that the fact that the Septuagint has them combined and a few other "evidences" leaves no doubt in my mind they were one at one point. There is a difference in their content so I will comment on it as two psalms as it is found in our Bibles. I wrote at the top of the this psalm in my Bible "Possible Lament." Didn't fit 9 in my opinion, but when seen as a larger psalm with 10 included it does fit.

Three things strike me in my casual reading of this psalm. The first is the open praise given to God. Thanks are given "with all my heart." He plans on telling "all your wonders." God is his source of gladness or joy but not just any kind of joy, but the jumping up and down with pure excitement kind of joy (exult). We've lost that kind of joy to a large degree because of cultural taboos. I see a coming generation that may restore it. Bring it on.

The second is the call for justice. David recognizes that God is just is all he does and that he does rule over the nations and executes justice. Verses 3-6 describes this very fact. David is relying on that justice when he calls for God to judge them in verse 19. I find it interesting in verse 20, "Let the nations know that they are but men." Amen!

The third thing that I found interesting as I read this was the changing of the pronoun from 2nd person to 3rd person. Verses 1-6 talk very directly to God and uses the 2nd person for the pronouns. In verse 7 it is "He," until verse 10 then it is back to "You." Verse 11 is the 3rd person again for 2 verses. Second person verses 13-14. Third person in verse 16 and then the psalm closes with the 2nd person in 19. For the most part it seems that when David is talking about his own relationship with God he addresses him personally, "You." When talking about the nations it is 3rd person. In verses 5 and 6 there is talk of the nations, but it is still from a personal perspective of praise, "You have rebuked the nations . . ." I am thankful to have a God who is relational. One who desires my communication. What a privilege we have to come to God in person and can use 2nd person pronouns.

Lord thank you for being near and desiring a relationship with me. Thank you for the assurance of salvation. Thank you for giving reason to jump up and down for joy. And thank you that you are indeed in control of the nations. May that thought drive out all fear of tomorrow.

Psalm 8

2009-01-08T17:43:00.000-08:00

Psalm 8

Creation Psalm or Creation Hymn

This is another favorite of mine. It begins and ends in praise, "O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is your name in all the earth."

I picture David reflecting on some of the times he spent the night outside looking up at the stars. What a marvel it is. Living in Colorado for 17 years I really enjoyed looking out on a clear night and seeing the stars shining brightly. I too would marvel at the vastness of God's creation and would stand in awe of how majestic our God is. The same is true when I would climb, or ride horseback into the back country. When getting up on a ridge that looks over a lake, or a long extended valley, I would just marvel at what God had done. I think that is why I love to fly so much. I get above the ground just a little and my perspective immediately changes. I am free for a moment from the cares of this life. Free to marvel. Free to just absorb the greatness of God. What an awesome God.

I find verse 5 interesting. After marveling that God would make man as he did, the comment is made that God had made man a little lower than himself. Here the KJV, NKJV, the Darby Bible, and NCV, says little lower than "angels." The word is "Elohim," one of the major words for God. NIV wimps out in its translation calling him, "heavenly beings." Nine other translations I looked at dealt with it more naturally, "God," or some translated it "godhead" reflecting the plural. That really fits the context of the psalm. God is the focus of praise, made all of creation including man. Gave man dominion over the creation being under God's authority. Another way of saying it, God made us lower than himself, but higher than his other creations. What an honor God has bestowed on us. I'm away from my office right now and do not have access to some of the books I would normally use in tracking down translation issues, so I'm confused as to why this would be the only place Elohim would be called "angels."

Lord, your name really is excellent. Thank you for the marvelous things you have created. Thank you for the sense of awe that is experienced when looking at the beauty you placed here for us.

Psalm 7

2009-01-07T04:50:00.000-08:00

Typically categorized as an Individual Lament. There is certainly lament in the psalm, but it seems more a psalm of innocence to me as the psalmist is calling for God to vindicate him.

In reading in the Word Biblical Commentary it was mentioned that this psalm was used by the Jews in association with the feast of Purim. Looking at how it calls for justice in an unjust world makes it a good companion to the reading of Esther.

What in the world is a shiggaion? NIV footnote didn't help much, "a literary or musical term." I had to chuckle when I read the footnote in the NASV95, "Dithyrambic rhythm; or wild passionate song." OK, what in the world is dithyrambic rhythm? Dithyramb by Webster's definition is "a usually short poem in an inspired wild irregular strain; a statement or writing in an exalted or enthusiastic vein." That's colorful and sets a mood for this psalm.

As I read this psalm this morning what struck me was the strong sense of justice David expressed. "If I have done this and there is guilt on my hands -- if I have done evil to him who is at peace with me or without cause have robbed my foe -- then let my enemy pursue and overtake me; let him trample my life to the ground and make me sleep in the dust." I don't see that kind of integrity in the general population today. The attitude seen more and more is "I am entitled to take what I want" without considering the rightness or wrongness of an action. David indicates that if he has acted wrongly, he deserves to be handed over to his enemies. He goes on to maintain that he is innocent.

Verse 6 catches my attention: "Arise," "rise up," "Awake" -- brings to my mind a sense of urgency. "I want justice now," it seems to say. The prayer in verse 9 adds to that sense of urgency, "O righteous God, who searches minds and hearts, bring an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure."

Verse 14 offers a vivid picture -- The NLT renders it, "The wicked conceive evil; they are pregnant with trouble and give birth to lies." That metaphor works.

This closes with an acknowledgment of God being just.

What this has made me think this morning is how crummy it feels to be falsely accused. The faster the lies can be cleared up the better. But even if there is not a swift resolution we can take heart knowing that the righteous judge will indeed act. He stands ready to administer justice and he will. "God will sharpen his sword, he will bend and string his bow. He will prepeare his deadly weapons and shoot his flaming arrows" vv. 12-13. My mind goes to 1 Peter 4:14-19 "So be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. [15] If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. [16] But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name! [17] For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God’s household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God’s Good News? [18] And also, “If the righteous are barely saved, what will happen to godless sinners?” [19] So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you." (NLT)

Lord, I want to honor you by living as a Christian. Give me this kind of strength to accept the unjust accusations that come from your enemies. Help me to have the integrity to acknowledge my sins and accept the consequences without complaint, but more than that, may I have patience to allow your justice to work when I am falsely accused.

Psalm 6

2009-01-06T04:02:00.000-08:00

Individual Lament

This psalm was used along with 5 other psalms by the early church as a Penitential Psalm. (Some groups have 7 Penitential Psalms). These are used in some traditions on Ash Wednesday and are read as people begin their 40 days of penance leading up to Easter. I don't see this psalm so much a penitential psalm as I do an outright lament.

It interests me the discussions on the heading concerning the "sheminith." Some will suggest it has to do with an octave. It is a literal approach to the word meaning, "the eighth." Was the music of the time built on an 8 note scale making "octave" a reasonable translation? One suggestion that interested me that went along this line is that it might have been calling for a low instrument to reflect the down in the dumps mood of the psalm. Whether that is really right or not I don't know, but sets the mood for me thinking about this psalm.

The psalmist is really low here. He looks to God for mercy, not justice. "My bones are in agony" paints a picture that he was hurting in his whole being. If this were truly David who wrote this, was he heartsick over Absalom? Was it during a time of deep mourning like when his son through Bathsheba was sick and about to die? Did this emotional pain cause the physical pain he seemed to be in? I don't think these kinds of questions can be answered with certainty as the titles were later additions to the psalms. What can be said is that this guy was absolutely miserable. Verse 7 introduces a source of pain, his enemies. It may be that on top of the misery this guy was in his enemies were gloating or ridiculing him because it seemed he had been abandoned by God.

The psalmist turns the corner in verse 8 and starts crawling out of his deep pit. He confidently states that the Lord has heard, has accepted his prayer, and it is the enemies that should feel the shame.

One of the verses that strikes me funny (not ha, ha) is verse 5. "No one remembers you when he is dead. Who praises you from the grave?" I am so used to thinking in terms of resurrection and continued praise of the saints that this catches me off guard. Commentators keep talking about the lack of understanding of an afterlife of the people of this time period. Yet I see David finding comfort in knowing that one day he would be joined with his dead baby, 2 Samuel 12:18. If it were simply a matter of "the baby's dead and someday I'll be dead too," I don't see that as comfort. Yet for David that thought was a turning point for him to clean up, put on different cloths and worship. So even though I keep being told that there was not understanding of a continued existence back in the time of David, I can't help but wonder if there was some kind of a concept. Yet here comes Psalm 6:5 giving that very idea that when your dead your dead. Maybe the thought is not so much of the grave being the end as it seems the psalmist is saying, but rather is looking to the the fact that telling of the story of God saving him from his sickness would not be told. If he's dead, he can't tell his story to others and give God the praise.

That being said, I see this psalm as a very very low time in the life of its author. I find encouragement that at some point he comes to realize that God can and will hear his cries for help. I don't think I have ever been this low, but I pray that if I do face this, I will have the presence of mind to look up and see the God who heals.

Father, thank you for your continued presence. In my battle you have shown yourself faithful to provide just what is needed for the moment, the hour, and the day. May I continue to have those eyes that see you even if things get really rough and my whole being feels crushed as the one feels in this psalm. May I learn the lesson he did that you hear and accept my prayer. That your "unfailing love" will be my comfort.

Psalm 5

2009-01-05T06:33:00.000-08:00

Typically called an Individual Lament. I like Peter C. Craigie's suggestion that it is a Protective Psalm as I don't see so much complaint as I do request to God for God's strength.

What I see in this psalm is a personal preparation for worship. The opening three verses is a plea for God to be near. There is a call for him to hear both the uttered words and the groans/sighs/unutterable words that are hard to express. Sounds like Romans 8:26 where Paul talks of the Spirit's work in intercession with word that can't be uttered, yet it is comprehended by God. I like the anticipation expressed as prayers are offered in the morning and the psalmist watches/waits with anticipation the outcome. That displays a great faith in prayer.

From verses 4-6 there is a description of those who cannot be in God's presence: the boastful, those who plan evil, liars, murderers, those who deceive -- "no evil dwells with God."

By contrast the Psalmist is separating himself from that kind of action so that he can be in God's presence, vv. 7-8, and asks God for help in living appropriately.

Another contrast, vv. 9-10 -- his enemies, NASB95 calls them "foes," with a footnote "those who lie in wait for me" -- don't tell the truth, in their very being they are destroyers. The psalmist calls for judgment on them, let what they plan for others happen to them kind of thing. "Just send them away because they have turned against you."

And now the righteous, vv. 11-12 -- they are happy, they sing joyful song, do what is right, and are protected.

Also I see in this psalm a willingness to soul search in order to be in the presence of God. I don't see the Psalmist excluding people from worship, it is God who makes that call, but rather trying to examine himself. That's a good lesson.

Lord, I too want to be cleansed so that I can be in your presence. Thank you for the blood of Jesus that keeps me clean as I walk in your light. Help me be aware of things in my life that are in conflict with your very nature and turn from them so that I reflect accurately your nature to others.

Psalm 4

2009-01-04T15:18:00.000-08:00

Individual Lament.

I have not spent much time in Psalm 4. It's beginning: answer me, give relief, be merciful, hear my prayer, is followed by a statement of confidence in verse 3 that the Lord WILL hear. Verse 2 sounds like he is being falsely accused. It is interesting to think about this sandwiched between the call for God to hear and the statement of faith, "the Lord will hear."

Verse 4 made me thing of Ephesians 4 only with an opposite twist. Paul say, "be angry and don't sin; do not let the sun go down upon your wrath." The psalmist says, "think it, but don't say it . . . just cool down through the night." (Gene paraphrase.) I have practiced the Psalm 4 version more than Paul's. When I can drop it as Paul suggests, I sleep better.

Verse 5 we move into a worship mindset. Instead of stewing on things, shift the anger into worship. Good advice.

I do like the way this psalm ends with the request that God be seen. When that happens there is great joy. Then when it is time to sleep it is peaceful. I wonder if there is still a hint of verse 4 here. When the hurts of men cause hurt and anger and you bite your tongue as it were and keep silent and you go to bed fuming -- that's not very restful. But when the joy of the Lord is present -- ahhhh, that's rest.

Lord, help me focus on worship to you. You know the times I do stew over things and may be restless at night. Help me shift that from holding on to letting go in worship to you and finding your peace. Help me see you and your glory and be glad.

Psalm 3

2009-01-03T07:26:00.000-08:00

Typically classified as an Individual Lament. Peter C. Craigie in the Word Biblical Commentary sees it as a Royal Protective Psalm.

For me the psalm falls naturally into three segments:
vv. 1-2 – the aloneness felt by seeing a growing opposition
vv. 3-6 – the confidence that he is not alone, but that God is present
vv. 7-8 – prayer for deliverance

The people at the first of this psalm seem to be enemies. Their heckling is meant to play a mental game that says, “your God has abandoned you.” I have watched people suffer who have questioned why God had abandoned them. They were absolutely defeated. I believe that is what these enemies were trying to accomplish. As I process this psalm from my own experiences sometimes the foe can be a friend. Well intentioned friends can give advice that does not offer comfort, but rather creates a pressure not needed on top of what is already going on. That is not a good feeling.

In my battle with leukemia I have found tremendous comfort in knowing that God is in control. The news of this in my system was quite surreal, but the comfort found in faith took on a reality not experienced before. In it I found real comfort. People became the enemy – well intentioned I grant, but with people’s advice came a disquieted spirit. When retreating to God, peace resumed. Understand that I have had a lot of people who have been a real comfort, but the consistent peace has come from God. Verse 3 came alive for me as God is a shield and he lifts up my head. Verse 5 suggests that sleep is possible because of the realization that it is God who sustains. I relate to that. I have not laid awake at night worrying about what is going on in my body, God has given me rest.

On a side note – I have loved verses 6 and 7 ever since I was introduced to the song taken from this. The song moved me, especially when verse 7 was sung at the same time verse 6 was being repeated. Power of song – it stirs the emotions. I have found courage at times when timidity was holding me back to do what I felt I should. This phrase, “I am not afraid . . .” cycling over and over in my head has helped me numerous times push through my timid spirit.

I love also the next to last line of this psalm, “From the Lord comes deliverance.” For me that knowledge IS peace.

Lord, I thank you for the tremendous comfort you have been for me the last year and a half. Without you life would be miserable. Thank you for your continued presence and for the blessings you give each day. Thank you for sleep. Thank you for the assurance of tomorrow.

Psalm 2

2009-01-02T06:40:00.000-08:00

This is labeled by some as a Royal Psalm. Other's would put a "Messianic Psalm" title to it. I've no doubt it had some kind significance to the kings coming to the throne following David, having a 1st century BC application, but I am influenced by its usage in Acts and Hebrews applying it to Jesus and my thoughts reflect that influence.

As I read this psalm this morning the first thing that jumped out was the references to God and the pronoun usage. God is all over this psalm. I counted 23. Add another 9 that refers to God's Son and there are 32 references to God (Father/Son) in these 12 short verses.

Interesting is the first segment, 1-3 -- the nations, peoples, kings, rulers -- that is a rebellion against God. They do not want to be under God's control. God's rule is seen as a burden. Hmmm, where have I seen that before? News headlines are filled with nations promoting themselves, not God. My mind goes to Jesus' invitation, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30, NIV) My first inclination is to shake my head at these folks and look down on them for being stupid. Then my reflection appears in the mirror and the realization hits that often I have been the one that has turned the Lord's way into a burden. I am learning little by little that Jesus was right in saying his yolk is easy and burden light. When I try to lighten my own load, it has a way of taking on a lot of baggage that becomes a greater burden.

I look at the next section and current events -- China rumbling, North Korea threatening, Muslum extremists trying to wipe out the infidels (us) and various Arab nations fall into sympathy with them, Russia trying to reawaken -- the world is filled with upheval. Talk about exercises in futility -- there is a king installed over the nations by God himself, and it isn't one of the current kings or presidents, or emirs, or whoever is thought of in power in our puny nations of the earth. The language used of God concerning the nations: "laughs," "scoffs," "speaks in anger", "terrifies," all speak of our insignificance by comparison. Yet, nations continue to think they are something special and are above God. They seem to think God as being defeatable. Or in some cases it might be more appropriate to say they believe God is on their side.

The third segment of this psalm is victory for the son -- the nations are his, and nothing can stand in his way.

The last section is a call for nations to wake up and get smart. "Worship the Lord with reverence and rejoice with trembling" verse 11 cries out. Add verse 12, "Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way . . ." (NASV95) I don't know if the writer of Hebrews had this in mind, but I see hints of this in Hebrews 12 28-29. "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, [29] for our “God is a consuming fire.” (NIV) A similar response which God called the nations to give in Psalm 2 is what we are called to give as we acknowledge Jesus' voice from heaven calling us into his kingdom.

Lord, you are in control of everything. I can be rebellious and try to place myself on the throne, but then I mess everything up. Help me be satisfied with your light burden, realizing that the way to victory is through surrender of my own will. May I give you the worship due you today.

Psalm 1

2009-01-01T06:36:00.000-08:00

INITIAL COMMENT
The goal of my blog this year is to reflect on the Psalms. I am not intending to dissect every detail of them, but rather simply write what was going through my mind when I read it. If this year is like other years of reading, there will be times when my mind is very active, and there will be times when it is dry. Feel free to share your reflection of these Psalms with me. Your participation will help keep me writing.

PSALM 1
When I have asked people to tell me their favorite Psalm, this one is often included. I too consider it one of my favorites. It is categorized as a "wisdom" psalm and I believe that is part of its appeal -- the simple straight forward "this is the way to live" nature of this type of psalm.

PERSONAL REFLECTION

The characteristic of the righteous are:

blessed,
does not walk with the wicked
focuses on and enjoys what God says
is like a well nourished tree -- flourishes and produces fruit
prospers in all they set out to do
is protected by God

The wicked:

sinner
mocker
like chaff that is blown away
can't survive judgment
not compatible with the righteous
will perish

The The opening lines of "walk," "stand," and "sit" caught my attention. It made me think that all of life, whether active, or at rest is focused on what is involved in being righteous. The idea of "standing in the way of sinners" particularly caught my thoughts. I take this to mean that the righteous will not choose the way of sinners.

Verse 2, speaking of the enjoyment of God's law, made me think of last year's readings. I enjoyed my Bible reading more last year than in times past. Maybe it was my situation of being in recovery of harsh chemo treatments. The sabbatical I am taking could play a part in that as well -- I was reading for me, for enjoyment, not looking for things to teach or preach. I could casually read and ask "what is the Lord saying and how does it impact me?" I found I looked forward to my DBR.

I see Psalm 1 as a description of two ways of life with the purpose of showing the value of the righteous life. The choice is ours but the benefits of the righteous life is the superior way. I can readily agree with that and don't mind writing "I choose righteousness." Reality check: then why do I often choose the wrong path? Why do I go into conflict within my thoughts? Why do I sometimes invite the wrong kind of thinking into my mind by what I watch? So much for not "walk[ing] in the counsel of the wicked."

MY PRAYER
Lord, I do want to choose the path of the righteous. I do want the assurance you give that this path will be productive. Help me learn more today of how to seek good counsel and follow it, to surround myself with righteous people, stay out of the path of sinners, sit with humility. Help me make the choice reflective of the righteous. May my delight in your word not simply be a morning exercise, but an all day long event.

2008-12-31T23:24:00.000-08:00

New Year, New Beginnings. 2008 was a good year for me. It had some down time, but that was good as it helped me be more focused on the blessings that are given every day. I believe more and more that "All things work together for good for them that love the Lord, who are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). 2008 was a year of reflection. I pray that 2009, though it may contain challenges all its own if I have a stem cell transplant, will be a year of renewal. This year is yours, Lord.