A Psalm of David. The earth is the LORD's, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein. For He has founded it upon the seas, And established it upon the waters. Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, Nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive blessing from the LORD, And righteousness from the God of his salvation.

The fulcrum here is the question, “Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD?” “He who has clean hands and a pure heart, etc.”

Definitely recognition of the power and goodness of the LORD. A part of worship of Him is a recognition of His power to create a 'clean heart.'

Reading

Morning Psalm 123, Noon Psalm 119:121-128, Evening Psalm 62

A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will 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 runs over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.

It is no wonder that this Psalm is listed so often as someone's favorite. It is succinct, tightly written, compact, dense with no wasted words, right to the point. David starts by listing all the ways in which the love of the LORD is evident in his life. He uses language particularly appropriate for a shepherd to use to describe his life and sums it all by a powerful phrase, “For His name's sake”

The second paragraph outlines the many benefits that accrue to him through the Lord's goodness. How many of us understand the power of that statement “You rod and Your staff, they comfort me”? Have I ever thought of, let alone to be willing to say, “My cup runs over” in the middle of a life threatening situation?

What a summation. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.” Lord, that I would complete my prayers in this same tone of sufficiency. It is definitely a Psalm that provides a pattern for prayers of glorification through thanksgiving.

Reading

Morning Psalm 122, Noon Psalm 119:113-120, Evening Psalm 61

 

To the Chief Musician. Set to "The Deer of the Dawn." a Psalm of David. My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Why are You so far from helping Me, And from the words of My groaning? O My God, I cry in the daytime, but You do not hear; And in the night season, and am not silent.

But You are holy, Enthroned in the praises of Israel. Our fathers trusted in You; They trusted, and You delivered them. They cried to You, and were delivered; They trusted in You, and were not ashamed.

But I am a worm, and no man; A reproach of men, and despised by the people. All those who see Me ridicule Me; They shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, "He trusted in the LORD, let Him rescue Him; Let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him!"

But You are He who took Me out of the womb; You made Me trust while on My mother's breasts. I was cast upon You from birth. From My mother's womb You have been My God. Be not far from Me, For trouble is near; For there is none to help. Many bulls have surrounded Me; Strong bulls of Bashan have encircled Me. They gape at Me with their mouths, Like a raging and roaring lion.

I am poured out like water, And all My bones are out of joint; My heart is like wax; It has melted within Me. My strength is dried up like a potsherd, And My tongue clings to My jaws; You have brought Me to the dust of death. For dogs have surrounded Me; The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me. They pierced My hands and My feet; I can count all My bones. They look and stare at Me.

They divide My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

But You, O LORD, do not be far from Me; O My Strength, hasten to help Me! Deliver Me from the sword, My precious life from the power of the dog. Save Me from the lion's mouth And from the horns of the wild oxen! You have answered Me. I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will praise You.

You who fear the LORD, praise Him! All you descendants of Jacob, glorify Him, And fear Him, all you offspring of Israel! For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; Nor has He hidden His face from Him; But when He cried to Him, He heard. My praise shall be of You in the great assembly; I will pay My vows before those who fear Him.

The poor shall eat and be satisfied; Those who seek Him will praise the LORD. Let your heart live forever! All the ends of the world Shall remember and turn to the LORD, And all the families of the nations Shall worship before You. For the kingdom is the LORD's, And He rules over the nations. All the prosperous of the earth Shall eat and worship; All those who go down to the dust Shall bow before Him, Even he who cannot keep himself alive. A posterity shall serve Him. It will be recounted of the Lord to the next generation They will come and declare His righteousness to a people who will be born, That He has done this.

The first section of this precious Psalm is very familiar when we read the Crucifixion accounts in Matthew 27:32-44, Mark 15:21-32, Luke 23: 34-37 and John 19-24. An interesting study, but not for now, would be a side by side comparison for the four accounts.

But what struck me this morning was something that I have never seen before in this Psalm. THIS PSALM APPLIES TO ME! The first reaction was a big Huh but it began to soak in. “When things don't go to suit you and the world seems upside down,” the beginning of a favorite ditty of my Grandpa Spence's which ended, “Just smile away your trouble and sing away that frown,” Wrong! This Psalm directs me to take my troubles to the LORD.

David goes immediately to the LORD in a let's bring in the help I need attitude. No false pride, no I can fix this myself, but a going to the LORD for help in humility. Is this a form of worship? Absolutely. Should it be included in a LORD's Day Worship service? I can think of situations where it would be very appropriate for a special congregational gathering to be called to raise the problem in prayer. Others where the correct approach would be to immediately seek the Holy Spirit's guidance.

Reading

Morning Psalm 121, Noon Psalm 119:105-112, Evening Psalm 60

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. The king shall have joy in Your strength, O LORD; And in Your salvation how greatly shall he rejoice! You have given him his heart's desire, And have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah

For You meet him with the blessings of goodness; You set a crown of pure gold upon his head. He asked life from You, and You gave it to him—Length of days forever and ever.

His glory is great in Your salvation; Honor and majesty You have placed upon him. For You have made him most blessed forever; You have made him exceedingly glad with Your presence. For the king trusts in the LORD, And through the mercy of the Most High he shall not be moved.

How does this glorify the LORD. God, the Almighty? By recognizing His goodness. By enumerating His answers to prayers.

Look at that one sentence, “You have made him exceedingly glad with Your presence.” Anytime we are given assurance that we are in presence of the LORD and acknowledge that awareness before Him, we glorifying His precious name.

Our response must be to bring that 'exceeding gladness' to His attention. One way is to give His praise in the assembly of the saints.

Reading

Morning Psalm 120, Noon Psalm 119:97-104, Evening Psalm 59

You have dealt well with Your servant, O LORD, according to Your word. Teach me good judgment and knowledge, For I believe Your commandments. Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep Your word. You are good, and do good; Teach me Your statutes.

The proud have forged a lie against me, But I will keep Your precepts with my whole heart. Their heart is as fat as grease, But I delight in Your law.

It is good for me that I have been afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes. The law of Your mouth is better to me Than thousands of coins of gold and silver.

“It is good for me that I have been afflicted,” It may be good, but it's also tough to swallow. It lines right up with advice to quit pounding my thumb with a rusty hammer because it will hurt. And a nice shinny new hammer has the same effect.

The lesson, ever so slowly soaks in. “Don't pound on your thumb with any hammer, rusty or shinny, large or small, etc.” Or, obey the word of the LORD in all things because this is pleasing unto the LORD. OBEDIENCE DOES NOT HURT.

Reading

Morning Psalm 118, Noon Psalm 119:89-96, Evening Psalm 58

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. May the LORD answer you in the dayof trouble; May the name of the God of Jacob defend you; May He send you help from the sanctuary, And strengthen you out of Zion; May He remember all your offerings, And accept your burnt sacrifice. Selah

May He grant you according to your heart's desire, And fulfill all your purpose. We will rejoice in your salvation, And in the name of our God we will set up our banners! May the LORD fulfill all your petitions.

Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven With the saving strength of His right hand. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the LORD our God. They have bowed down and fallen; But we have risen and stand upright.

Save, LORD! May the King answer us when we call.

As I was reading through this beautiful Psalm, our daughter called to talk to her mother. Much of the conversation was in another room, not particularly distinct but obviously about a dear friend of the family. Some of the characteristics were the conversation's efficiency, even tightness; much of the understanding of the relationship were based on years of continuity and consistency.

Now read this record as a conversation between King David and his Chief Musician, discussing the relationship between Yahweh and the Chief. A lot of historical detail left out, but clearly understood by the two. Continuity and consistency.

Our prayers to the LORD and conversations about Him should have the same characteristics. Most of the time! But there are times when it is appropriate to extol the LORD and His Goodness.

Reading

Morning Psalm 117, Noon Psalm 119:81-88, Evening Psalm 57

Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults. Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, And I shall be innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.

Yes, praise and discipling walk hand in hand through this passage whose goal is to develop Ambassadors for the Kingdom whose lives display a passion for their LORD and Savior.

I need a full understanding of my errors. What are secret faults and presumptuous sins? How do they offend GOD? How do they bring disgrace to the Name of the LORD? It is not that these errors spoil my testimony (Oh, yes they do), it is that they bring disgrace and shame to Him. It is a matter of focus. The focus of worship MUSTbe on the attributes of our LORD.

Ole stinky John provides ample fodder for Monday through Saturday's devotionals.

Reading

Morning Psalm 116, Noon Psalm 119:73-80, Evening Psalm 56

The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward.

Now David moves ahead with a paean of praise for the Law of the LORD. This is an example of God directed worship, pure praise in a concentrated 95 words. I suspect that each couplet could be expanded into a LORD's Day teaching. For example, “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul;” begs for discussions defining the Law of the LORD, perfection, and conversion. Each section cast as praise and worship, and most appropriate for a LORD's Day Worship service. There's a minimum of 10 talks

Reading

Morning Psalm 115, Noon Psalm 119:65-72, Evening Psalm 55

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language Where their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world. In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun, Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, And rejoices like a strong man to run its race. Its rising is from one end of heaven, And its circuit to the other end; And there is nothing hidden from its heat.

The 19^th Psalm is a beautiful progress, connecting the eyes of the reader from the obvious beauty, symmetry and perfection of the firmament to like characteristics in the law of the LORD, demonstrating how the visible revelations in one are displayed in word and logic in the other. David then ties both together in the life of a believer.

I'm sitting here in my chair looking out on a late winter scene in Vermont. We call it by a very ugly name, the stick season where the mountains to the west are covered with brown, leafless, featureless trees. The sky is a whitish gray which fade into blobs of a blueish gray. The snow on the intervening field is a patchwork of dead gray, dirty snow, ever so slowly melting and leaving the mud behind. Residents know that the next season will be mud season, a step in the wrong direction except it is followed by the explosions of the flowers and shrubs making up for the dreariness of late winter in New England.

But now for the promises of the first 6 verses of this Psalm. David assures me that hidden behind the lifeless late winter landscape is the magnificent, rich display of the firmament where light and color explode in a revelation of His love for beauty. If you have never had your breath taken away by the Northern Lights with their awesome blending of color and motion, you have a thrill to be thrilled as you watch the finger of God paint on His canvas.

Reading

Morning Psalm 114, Noon Psalm 119:57-64, Evening Psalm 54

The LORD lives! Blessed be my Rock! Let the God of my salvation be exalted.

It is God who avenges me, And subdues the peoples under me; He delivers me from my enemies. You also lift me up above those who rise against me; You have delivered me from the violent man.

Therefore I will give thanks to You, O LORD, among the Gentiles, And sing praises to Your name. Great deliverance He gives to His king, And shows mercy to His anointed, To David and his descendants forevermore.

A fitting way to end every prayer. David began with praise, he ends in like manner. What a lesson for me if I could only sear the habit of beginning my day and ending it with praise. Or those sleepless periods of the night. What an opportunity to praise my LORD rather than fuss about the bills or what I need to do tomorrow.

Now here's a lesson. I had convinced myself that these stewings and fussings are a productive use of my sleepless periods. No, they are part of Satan's bag of tricks to distract me from my true task. To devote that time to praising the LORD. It's beginning to soak in, my sole purpose, my raison d'être for being is to be an agent of the glorification of the LORD.

He is to be glorified in all things. I am one, one very small and insignificant part of the 'all things' universe.

Reading

Morning Psalm 113, Noon Psalm 119:49-56, Evening Psalm 53

As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. For who is God, except the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God?

It is God who arms me with strength, And makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of deer, And sets me on my high places. He teaches my hands to make war, So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

You have also given me the shield of Your salvation; Your right hand has held me up, Your gentleness has made me great. You enlarged my path under me, So my feet did not slip. I have pursued my enemies and overtaken them; Neither did I turn back again till they were destroyed. I have wounded them, So that they could not rise; They have fallen under my feet.

For You have armed me with strength for the battle; You have subdued under me those who rose up against me. You have also given me the necks of my enemies, So that I destroyed those who hated me. They cried out, but there was none to save; Even to the LORD, but He did not answer them.

I look at this passage as giving me an outline for the contents of a Worship prayer. Wording, contents and emphasis will vary, but there are two areas here in which the Psalmist is bringing glory to the LORD, God, the Almighty.

The first paragraph lists attributes of God: the perfection of His way, the completeness of His word, a trustworthy shield, His existence as LORD, a rock solid deity. The last two paragraphs list those attributes that enable me to stand against my enemies. I don't spend a significant amount of time in physical combat but I certainly need His support and equipping for the battle of wits between me and the culture in which I live and exist.

Reciting His characteristics and helps are important elements of Worship.

Reading

Morning Psalm 112, Noon Psalm 119:41-48, Evening Psalm 52

You are my portion, O LORD; I have said that I would keep Your words. I entreated Your favor with my whole heart; Be merciful to me according to Your word. I thought about my ways, And turned my feet to Your testimonies. I made haste, and did not delay To keep Your commandments. The cords of the wicked have bound me, But I have not forgotten Your law.

At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You, Because of Your righteous judgments. I am a companion of all who fear You, And of those who keep Your precepts. The earth, O LORD, is full of Your mercy; Teach me Your statutes.

A focused, in fact a very focused declaration of obedience and adherence to the Word of the Lord. The author of this Psalm, surely a post-Exilic scribe, is absolutely passionate in his declaration of love for the Commandments.

What a contrast to today. When was the last time you heard a sermon preached based on John 14:15-17 “If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.”I'm not sure I ever have and yet it is a focal point of the Christian life.

Oops, wrong! Two others and I preached a series of 10 sermons about 15 years ago, splitting them up among us. The only one I remember speaking on was #5, “Honor your father and mother for this is pleasing unto the Lord” My mother went home to be with her Lord earlier that morning. The Lord was kind to me in allowing me to give tribute to a Godly mother.

Reading

Morning Psalm 111, Noon Psalm 119:33-40, Evening Psalm 51