Learning How to Worship God 2
Last time, we covered the first of the five subdivisions (books) of the Book of Psalms, which included Ps. 1 – 41. (See Learning How to Worship God). This was a group of psalms primarily concerned about being in obedience with our Creator, the rewards for doing so, and the punishments for not.
Book two: (Ps. 42 – 72)
This series of psalms concerns itself with the depth of our Heavenly Father’s care for us, how we need it, and how we should respond with gratitude.
O my God, my soul is in despair within me [the burden more than I can bear] … Yet the Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night His song will be with me, a prayer to the God of my life. Ps. 42:6 & 8. AMP
Declare me innocent, O God! Defend me against these ungodly people. Rescue me from these unjust liars. For you are God, my only safe haven…. Send out your light and your truth…Let them lead me to your holy mountain, to the place where you live. There I will go to the altar of God, to God—the source of all my joy. I will praise you with my harp, O God, my God! Ps. 43:1 – 4. NLT
You are my King and my God. You command victories for Israel. Only by your power can we push back our enemies; only in your name can we trample our foes…O God, we give glory to you all day long and constantly praise your name. Ps. 44:4, 5 & 8. NLT
As you can see, Jehovah stands up for His children, defends them from satanic followers, and pours His love all over them – backed by an unassailable strength and power. Out of that, we get a further glimpse into His very nature:
God is our refuge and strength [mighty and impenetrable], a very present and well-proved help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change
and though the mountains be shaken and slip into the heart of the seas, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its roaring. Ps.46:1 – 4. AMP
The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold [our refuge, our high tower]. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy dwelling places of the Most High. Ps. 46:7 AMP
And then God shows us how to repay Him:
“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” Ps. 46:10 NLT
Come, everyone! Clap your hands! Shout to God with joyful praise! For the Lord Most High is awesome. He is the great King of all the earth. He subdues the nations before us, putting our enemies beneath our feet. Ps. 47:1 – 3. NLT
Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises! For God is the King over all the earth. Praise him with a psalm. Ps. 47:6, 7. NLT
O God, we meditate on your unfailing love as we worship in your Temple. As your name deserves, O God, you will be praised to the ends of the earth. Your strong right hand is filled with victory. Ps. 48:9, 10. NLT
He is our God forever and ever, and he will guide us until we die. Ps. 48:14 NLT
Let’s looks at more of what God does for His children:
Why should I fear when trouble comes, when enemies surround me? They trust in their wealth and boast of great riches. Yet they cannot redeem themselves from death… Ps. 49:5 – 7. NLT
The grave is their eternal home, where they will stay forever. Ps. 49:11 NLT
But as for me, God will redeem my life. He will snatch me from the power of the grave. Ps. 49:15 NLT
At the end, everyone must stand before the judgment seat. Money cannot move God; and those who counted on buying their way in, will unfortunately enter through ‘door number two’ – an eternity of agony.
What is the right course of action?
Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God, and keep the vows you made to the Most High. Then call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.” Ps. 50:14 & 15. NLT
“Repent, all of you who forget me, or I will tear you apart, and no one will help you.
But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God.” Ps. 50:22, 23. NLT
And that should stir up faith in those who cling to Jehovah:
In God, whose word I praise; in God I have put my trust; I shall not fear. What can mere man do to me? Ps. 56:4 AMP
You have taken account of my wanderings; put my tears in Your bottle. Are they not recorded in Your book? Ps. 56:8 AMP
For You have rescued my soul from death, yes, and my feet from stumbling, so that I may walk before God in the light of life. Ps. 56:13 AMP
I will cry to God Most High, Who accomplishes all things on my behalf [for He completes my purpose in His plan]. Ps. 57:2 AMP
I will praise and give thanks to You, O Lord, among the people; I will sing praises to You among the nations. For Your faithfulness and lovingkindness are great, reaching to the heavens, and Your truth to the clouds. Ps. 57:9, 10. AMP
For God alone my soul waits in silence and quietly submits to Him, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; My fortress and my defense, I will not be shaken or discouraged. Ps. 62:5, 6. AMP
When we are filled with faith, we cannot help but live a joyous and satisfying life:
Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy. Ps. 63:3 – 5. NLT
Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you;
your strong right hand holds me securely. Ps. 63:7, 8. NLT
We will fulfill our vows to you, for you answer our prayers. All of us must come to you.
Though we are overwhelmed by our sins, you forgive them all. Ps. 65:2, 3. NLT
O God our savior. You are the hope of everyone on earth…you inspire shouts of joy. Ps. 65:5 & 8. NLT
Come and see what our God has done, what awesome miracles he performs for people! Ps. 66:5 NLT
You have tested us, O God; you have purified us like silver…but you brought us to a place of great abundance. Ps. 66:10 & 12. NLT
His name is the Lord—rejoice in his presence! Father to the fatherless, defender of widows—this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy. Ps. 68:4 – 6. NLT
Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms. Our God is a God who saves! The Sovereign Lord rescues us from death. Ps. 68:19, 20. NLT
Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged. For the Lord hears the cries of the needy… Ps. 69:33 NLT
God is so good to us. Let’s let Him know that we recognize His love in our lives:
Praise the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does such wonderful things. Praise his glorious name forever! Let the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and amen! Ps. 72:18, 19. NLT
Goodnight and God bless.
Building Better Americans 165
Learning How to Worship God
With the passing of King David, it is only fitting that we examine one of his great legacies from God, and for God. That would be the book of Psalms, which is a vast treasure trove of songs to God to teach us how to worship Him, which brings us closer to our Creator.
In the Hebrew, the book is titled Tehillim, meaning ‘praises’. These were psalms written by King David, and a handful of other authors under the direct inspiration of the Holy Spirit. These authors wrote them over a period of 1000 years.
The book of Psalms was also collated into five ‘books’, each of which sequentially carry thematic underpinnings similar to the five books of the Torah.
There are psalms calling for judgment against one’s enemies, laments for deliverance in times of affliction, and those for praise / thanksgiving.
Book one: (Ps. 1 – 41)
Ps. 1 & 2 introduces the book of Psalms:
Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.
But not the wicked! They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind. They will be condemned at the time of judgment. Sinners will have no place among the godly.
For the Lord watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction. Ps. 1:1 – 6. NLT
As you can see, Ps. 1 speaks to being obedient to God and to the rewards for doing so. And then it contrasts that, to display the ultimate condemnation of God upon those who choose rebellion.
Why are the nations in an uproar [in turmoil against God], and why do the people devise a vain and hopeless plot? The kings of the earth take their stand; and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and His Anointed (the Davidic King, the Messiah, the Christ), saying, “Let us break apart their [divine] bands [of restraint] and cast away their cords [of control] from us.”
He who sits [enthroned] in the heavens laughs [at their rebellion]; The [Sovereign] Lord scoffs at them [and in supreme contempt He mocks them]. Then He will speak to them in His [profound] anger and terrify them with His displeasure, saying, “Yet as for Me, I have anointed and firmly installed My King upon Zion, My holy mountain.”
“I will declare the decree of the Lord: He said to Me, ‘You are My Son; This day [I proclaim] I have begotten You. ‘Ask of Me, and I will assuredly give [You] the nations as Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth as Your possession.
‘You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall shatter them [in pieces] like earthenware.’”
Now therefore, O kings, act wisely; be instructed and take warning, O leaders (judges, rulers) of the earth. Worship the Lord and serve Him with reverence [with awe-inspired fear and submissive wonder]; rejoice [yet do so] with trembling.
Kiss (pay respect to) the Son, so that He does not become angry, and you perish in the way, for His wrath may soon be kindled and set aflame. How blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] are all those who take refuge in Him! Ps. 2:1 – 12. AMP
Thus, the second psalm is where God begins to center the focus of His people upon the promise that He made guaranteeing them a Messiah, and how they should be obedient to Him (Jesus) as well. Indeed, Jehovah has a conversation with Jesus within this psalm.
So now we’ve been introduced to the psalms and their overriding purpose. Thus, I’m now going to take the liberty to cherry pick them, (as there is no way to present all 150 of them in this venue).
I will not be intimidated or afraid of the ten thousands who have set themselves against me all around. Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God! For You have struck all my enemies on the cheek; You have shattered the teeth of the wicked.
Salvation belongs to the Lord; may Your blessing be upon Your people. Ps. 3:6 – 8. AMP
Again, stressing the ability of God’s deliverance even in what seems are impossible odds. If we are delivered, what then?
In peace [and with a tranquil heart] I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety and confident trust. Ps. 4:8 AMP
Yes, being right with God brings His protection to His loved ones:
…let all who take refuge and put their trust in You rejoice, let them ever sing for joy;
because You cover and shelter them, let those who love Your name be joyful and exult in You. For You, O Lord, bless the righteous man [the one who is in right standing with You]; You surround him with favor as with a shield. Ps. 5:11, 12. AMP
The psalms also remind us of the magnificence of God and His magnanimous dealings with His favorite creations:
When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers – the moon and the stars you set in place — what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?
Yet you made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor. You gave them charge of everything you made, putting all things under their authority — the flocks and the herds and all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and everything that swims the ocean currents.
O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! Ps. 8:3 – 9. NLT
And they speak of God’s faithfulness:
…the Lord reigns forever, executing judgment from his throne. He will judge the world with justice and rule the nations with fairness. The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed,
a refuge in times of trouble.
Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you. Ps. 9:7 – 10. NLT
There are so many blessings from God for those who obey Him:
The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right,
bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living. Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold…a great reward for those who obey them. Ps. 19: 7 – 11. NLT
King David also wrote psalms that contain messianic prophecy. This one focuses on Christ’s crucifixion, where we get a description of it by Jesus Himself:
My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Why are You so far from helping me, and from the words of my groaning? Ps. 22:1 AMP
But You are holy, O You who are enthroned in [the holy place where] the praises of Israel [are offered]. In You our fathers trusted [leaned on, relied on, and were confident]; they trusted and You rescued them. Ps. 22:3, 4. AMP
But I am [treated as] a worm [insignificant and powerless] and not a man; I am the scorn of men and despised by the people. All who see me laugh at me and mock me; They [insultingly] open their lips, they shake their head, saying,
“He trusted and committed himself to the Lord, let Him save him.
Let Him rescue him, because He delights in him.”
Yet You are He who pulled me out of the womb; You made me trust when on my mother’s breasts. I was cast upon You from birth; from my mother’s womb You have been my God.
Do not be far from me, for trouble is near; and there is no one to help. Ps. 22: 6 – 11. AMP
Many [enemies like] bulls have surrounded me…They open wide their mouths against me, like a ravening and a roaring lion. I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart is like wax; It is melted [by anguish] within me. My strength is dried up like a fragment of clay pottery; and my [dry] tongue clings to my jaws;
and You have laid me in the dust of death.
For [a pack of] dogs have surrounded me; a gang of evildoers has encircled me,
They pierced my hands and my feet. I can count all my bones; they look, they stare at me. They divide my clothing among them and cast lots for my garment. Ps. 22:12 – 18. AMP
Jehovah loves every human being. It is up to us to connect with Him, to receive His great bounty of a wonderful life. This psalm is very well known, and a personal favorite of mine:
The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.
Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever. Ps. 23 NLT
How can we be assured of this promise? Through diligent obedience to our Creator:
The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness of it, the world, and those who dwell in it. For He has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the streams and the rivers.
Who may ascend onto the mountain of the Lord? And who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to what is false, nor has sworn [oaths] deceitfully.
He shall receive a blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. Ps. 24:1 – 5. AMP
God wants to share eternity with you; so, He shows you the way:
Good and upright is the Lord; therefore He instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in justice, and He teaches the humble His way.
All the paths of the Lord are lovingkindness and goodness and truth and faithfulness
to those who keep His covenant and His testimonies. Ps. 25:8 – 10. AMP
King David beckons us to come worship our Father, especially when we mess up:
Sing to the Lord, all you godly ones! Praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime!
Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning. Ps. 30:4, 5. NLT
Sing a new song of praise to him; play skillfully on the harp, and sing with joy. For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does. He loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the Lord fills the earth. Ps. 33:3 – 5. NLT
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him [with awe-inspired reverence and worship Him with obedience] and He rescues [each of] them.
O taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good; how blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who takes refuge in Him. Ps. 34:7, 8. AMP
The Lord is near to the heartbroken and He saves those who are crushed in spirit (contrite in heart, truly sorry for their sin) …The Lord redeems the soul of His servants,
And none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned. Ps. 34:18 & 22. AMP
How much does God love you? So much that it is immeasurable in human terms; and He gives that love continually to those who do their best to walk in His ways:
How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! The children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings. They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house; and You allow them to drink from the river of Your delights.
For with You is the fountain of life [the fountain of life-giving water];
In Your light we see light. Ps. 36:7 – 9. AMP
Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Ps. 37:3, 4. NLT
The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.
Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand. Ps. 37:23, 24. NLT
Thus, ends book one of the book of Psalms. Stay tuned! Goodnight and God bless.