Psalm 61: Higher Than I

Photo by Greg K. Dueker

Lead Me…

While I always seem drawn to comment on v. 1-3, and today is no exception, I will try to show the connection, the “stringed instrument” between the four strophes, rather than treating them in isolation.

Hear my cry, O God,
    listen to my prayer;
from the end of the earth I call to you
    when my heart is faint.
Lead me to the rock
    that is higher than I,
for you have been my refuge,
    a strong tower against the enemy. (v.1-3)

Certainly, verses 1-3 comprise one of my favorite passages in the Psalms and provide the words for a beloved old-time gospel song as well. One summer, while I was in college, I worked at a large Christian conference center in the mountains of Southern California. As part of the staff choir, I would sing the song based on this passage. The words that still stand out to me are “lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”  I am so glad that God is higher than me, or the "rock" would be less of a rock and more of a low, muddy place.

Photo by Greg K. Dueker

Another way I relate to this passage is that it reminds me of the blue tsunami lines we have painted on the streets in Pacific Coast towns that let you know when you are far enough above sea level that you are safe from any potential tsunami. I like the beach, but I get a little nervous when I am below the blue line. Using this metaphor, the Lord is our tsunami escape route and refuge! He is the "rock that is higher than I"! When we are faint and overwhelmed and know that we are not enough, is the rock we stand on, the rock we trust in, higher than ourselves and our efforts? I hope so. When our heart is faint, from wherever we may be, let us be resolved to call on the Lord, for he is our refuge!

Let Me…

After this first strophe, where the Psalmist could pray verses 1- 2 because of his experience of shelter in verse 3, he follows the same pattern in verses 4-5.

⁴ Let me dwell in your tent forever!
    Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah
⁵ For you, O God, have heard my vows;
    you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name. (v.4-5)

The psalmist/king asked God to let him dwell in his presence. He prayed verse 4 because of his confident testimony described in verse 5. Why would he want to dwell in God’s tent forever if he did not know the great blessing of being in God’s presence? In Hebrews 11:6, faith is seen as having two parts—a belief in God's existence (He is real) and a belief in his reward for those who seek him (He is good!). For the psalmist, having known/experienced the goodness of the Lord, there could be no better place to spend forever.

Connecting with his heritage (spiritually attuned ancestors) in verse 5, the psalmist prayed for long life in verse 6 for the purpose stated in verse 7, where the steadfast love (Heb., hesed) of God would watch over him.

Love Me…

⁶ Prolong the life of the king;
    may his years endure to all generations!
⁷ May he be enthroned forever before God;
    appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over him!

Photo by aaron-burden on unsplash

This prayer sounds like it could be a standard prayer for any godly ruler. It is a “God save the King!” kind of statement. But why does this king, or intercessor for the king, want his life prolonged, poetically “to all generations” (v.6)? Verse 7’s request extends the description of how his life and rule might be preserved…by being in the presence of God and protected by YHWH’s steadfast love and faithfulness. But it is verse 8 that finally reveals the “why” behind the request. 

⁸ So will I ever sing praises to your name,
    as I perform my vows day after day.

The psalmist king desired continued life not for the continuance of his personal power and pleasure, but to use his prolonged life to worship God, both through singing praise and performing his vows (living out his worship). This begs the question: As a king of Israel, what vows would he need to perform?

In ancient Israel, beyond personally obeying the Mosaic Law in a general sense (think of the 10 Commandments and the command to love your neighbor as yourself, plus keeping the sacrifices and festivals), the king of Israel was responsible for building his reign upon the Word of God (writing out a copy for himself and reading it daily), upholding justice for all in his land, inquiring of the Lord for wisdom. The nation's security depended on their spiritual ties to the Living God, and the king generally set an example (for better or worse).

Negatively, there were three representative things that the king was not supposed to acquire many of—

1. horses (lest he trust his military strength or be in bondage to Egypt again),
2. wives (lest his heart turn away from the Lord and objectify others), and
3. excessive gold and silver. (lest he grow proud and stop trusting in the Lord)

Later, an additional warning was added; that kings should avoid wine and strong drink (lest they forget what they have said and perpetrate injustice on the afflicted, Prov. 31:4-5).

Positively, the kings were to fear God, keep the words of the Law, and speak up for the voiceless to defend the poor and powerless (Prov. 31:8-9). One reason for keeping the Word of God central in the life and rule of the king was so that “his heart may not be lifted up above his brothers” (Deut. 17:20). Humility was a social justice value, even in ancient Israel. Unfortunately, not many took it seriously.

Does it sound much like our leaders today? Some, but not all.

But again, the verse that stands alone is the conclusion in verse 8. It is a life that keeps its promises, which can sing true praises to the Lord.

When we have been led to the rock that is higher than ourselves, when we have started walking with God and seen his faithfulness, and when we have been kept by his steadfast love (hesed), then we will want to pay it forward!

 

Psalm 40 A New Song: Our Testimony of God’s On-going Goodness to Us

Miss Clara in her "War Room"

This is a psalm that is very familiar to many Christians. It contains verses that we like to quote, some that readily identify with our life story, and others that we struggle with admitting are true about us. It starts very straightforwardly as David testifies,

“I waited patiently for the Lord;
    he inclined to me and heard my cry.” (v.1)

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

How many of us can honestly say that we have waited “patiently” for the Lord? While I have waited and contended and prayed and believed for many things over the years, I am not sure how consistently patient God would say that I have been. David’s life, however, lined up with his claim. Despite the turmoil and the tears, he knew that the Lord had heard his desperate prayers.

David knew that God had chosen him and anointed him (via the elderly prophet and judge Samuel) to be king after God had rejected the unrepentant excuse-making King Saul. Even so, David would not elevate himself to the position. He left the timing of the promise’s fulfillment in the hands of God. Even though Saul, in his insane jealousy, repeatedly tried to hunt David down and kill him (in an effort to retain his kingdom from which God had rejected him), David refused to defend himself. He would not raise his weapons against “the Lord’s anointed” despite being encouraged to do so when the opportunity came.

That doesn’t mean that David didn’t feel the pain and experience significant anguish along the way. He did, and he talked to God about it a lot… just read the Psalms! There are more lament psalms than any other kind! As we have often noted on this blog, the psalms give us the language, to be honest with God, and to process our emotions through the revealed character of God. While our circumstances don’t always change, we change and our perspective changes as well! These changes can positively impact those around us!

Photo by Martin on Unsplash

It should be noted that David’s testimony was not that of a quick or one-time deliverance, but more of a slow-motion miracle of daily provision and protection as with each new moment he chose to trust the Lord. He had eyes to see God at work (even in the mundane) and an ear to hear the word of the Lord (even in a whisper). 

Along the way, perhaps in that “valley of the shadow of death” (Ps. 23:4), the psalmist received more than words of empty consolation, for it was in the darkest moments that he became most aware of the presence of God. It should be noted that his life was not all darkness and pain for there were many brilliant moments where heaven seemed to break forth into David’s life. Whether it happened literally or poetically, David was repeatedly delivered by the manifested faithfulness of the Lord.

Photo by Neil Thomas
 on Unsplash

He drew me up from the pit of destruction,
    out of the miry bog,
and set my feet upon a rock,
    making my steps secure.
He put a new song in my mouth,
    a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
    and put their trust in the Lord. (v.2-3)

What is our “pit of destruction”? Where have we been betrayed and left to die like Joseph (Genesis 37) or Jeremiah (Jer. 18)? What is our “miry bog”, that situation that seems to hold us in a suffocating grip of iron until we give up in exhaustion and despair? David uses the “mire” idea again in Psalm 69:1-3,

Save me, O God!

    For the waters have come up to my neck.

I sink in deep mire,

    where there is no foothold;

I have come into deep waters,

    and the flood sweeps over me.

I am weary with my crying out;

    my throat is parched.

My eyes grow dim

    with waiting for my God.

God always knows where we are, even in those times when it feels like he doesn’t. Isaiah 43:1b-3 is an awesome promise for whatever floods and fires we may face.

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;

    I have called you by name, you are mine.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

    and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;

when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,

    and the flame shall not consume you.

For I am the Lord your God,

    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

The psalmist’s testimony was that the Lord had put his feet on the rock “making his steps

Photo Greg Dueker

secure.” I know what it feels like to climb a steep sand dune at the beach where you are constantly sliding backward, or worse I know the anxiety of trying to traverse a large talus slope in the mountains where sliding rocks could break a leg or precipitate a fatal fall. I also know what it feels like to be pressed down by a 100+ pound pack into a deceptively sticky mud flat—you start to think you might never get out. But the security and stability that the psalmist speaks of are more than just a reference to enhanced physical balance and traction. It addresses a change in one’s whole life through an emotional, and spiritual rescue from overwhelming circumstances, overbearing enemies, and overflowing sin.

But I wonder how often we speak about what God has done for us. On a daily basis, are we more likely to complain about what went wrong (frustrations, disappointments, fears, etc.) or to thank God for his works on our behalf—the way that his deeds manifest his amazing love?

In v. 3, David writes that the Lord “put a new song in my mouth”. Have you ever wondered what that new song is, or why there needs to be a new one if the old song works just fine? I have. So, what is that new song? It is “a song of praise to our God” that is our continuing testimony to the shared goodness of God! Each new daily deliverance should help us to see God more clearly. His loving character is revealed through all his works and our gratitude is revealed by sharing what he has done with others.

Sometimes, in the midst of disappointment, loss, and even persecution, we can be encouraged when we read the psalmist’s reminder that God thinks of us a lot (v.5). I love the word picture that his thoughts and deeds towards us are “multiplied” instead of merely being the work of addition.

You have multiplied, O Lord my God,

    your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us;

    none can compare with you!

I will proclaim and tell of them,

    yet they are more than can be told. (v.5)

Photo by Hudson Hintze on Unsplash

Such an insight into the mind and mission of God led the psalmist to testify freely. He did not restrain his lips when speaking of the goodness of God (v.9-10) because the Lord had done more things than could be told (v.5). He could have said there is too much to say so I won’t even try, but he didn’t wimp out. Listen to his words!

I have told the glad news of deliverance

    in the great congregation; behold,

I have not restrained my lips,

    as you know, O Lord.

I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart;

    I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation;

I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness

    from the great congregation.

What were the most recent three things that God has done for you, which you then shared with someone else? Why don’t we remember what he has done? Why are we not better at writing it down? To borrow a picture from the gospels, could our memory be challenged because our hearts have become like a hard-packed path (with the restless to-and-fro of our habitual busyness and the aimless shuffling of our highly distracted lives) and the seeds of the goodness of God’s works in our lives are snatched away by the enemy of our soul?

Photo by Alejandro Escamilla on Unsplash

We need to plant the blessed memories of God’s workings on our behalf in the potting soil of internal gratitude and public testimony. In the OT people would build an altar or set up memorial stones to remember how God had met them and delivered them. What about us? What things do we do to remind ourselves of the good things God has done for us and for others? Feel free to share your suggestions in the comment section below! As for me, this section has challenged me to start what I call a “gratitude list” or an “I noticed list” where I write down one way I noticed God at work or I enjoyed something or someone for whom I am grateful. If I don’t write it down, I won’t remember. If I don’t remember it then how can I share it with others and allow them to participate in the blessing? Thankfully his mercies don't run short... even in the darkest of times "they are new every morning" (Lam. 3:22-23).

The psalmist makes the connection between his own unrestrained testimony of gratitude to God and his observation/trust that the Lord would not restrain from showing his mercy to the psalmist (v.11) because he was personally in great need of mercy (v.12)! We are certainly no different though we may think we are.

As for me, I am poor and needy,
    but the Lord takes thought for me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
    do not delay, O my God! (v. 17)

I hope you find it encouraging that God thinks about you, hears your cry for help, and comes quickly to answer, encourage, and deliver you. Do you see him?

Psalm 135 The Lord is good!

Psalm for Today = 135:3-4
³ Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good;
    sing to his name, for it is pleasant!
⁴ For the Lord has chosen Jacob for himself,
    Israel as his own possession.

Comments:

Praise is to worshipfully declare what is true about God and honor him for it. 

Thanksgiving is to gratefully declare what God has done for you. 

They are often as hard to separate as two sides of the same coin. What attributes of the Lord do we see mentioned here in this brief passage? 

The psalmist says that He is good and that his name/character is pleasant, which sounds familiar to readers of this blog. Just a couple of days ago, my post on Psalm 133 was entitled, “Good and Pleasant” as a description of brothers dwelling in unity. So we see in Psalm 135 that God is described using these same two words. It is as if when we dwell together in unity that God is there in our midst. This passage reminds me of two others: 

First, it reminds me of Matthew 18:19-20,

 “Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask,

                     it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.

For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

Second, it reminds me of the commission that Jesus placed upon the Gadarene man who had been delivered from a legion of demons, telling him that he should go home and tell everyone the great/good things that God had done for him.

·         Mark 5:19 “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.”

·         Luke 8:39 “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.

These passages are consistent with Psalm 135:4. God is good and pleasant because he chooses people to be his own!

Questions:

What is good and pleasant about the Lord? Take time to list at least five attributes.

What are the good things that God has done for us? Take time to pray and ask God to give you an opportunity to tell someone today about the great things that God has done for you!

Psalm 107 "Some Wandered..."

Psalm for Today = 107:2, 4-9

Photo by Kasuma F. Gruber on Unsplash

² Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,

whom he has redeemed from trouble…

⁴ Some wandered in desert wastes,

finding no way to a city to dwell in;

⁵ hungry and thirsty,

their soul fainted within them.

⁶ Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,

and he delivered them from their distress.

⁷ He led them by a straight way

till they reached a city to dwell in.

⁸ Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,

for his wondrous works to the children of man!

⁹ For he satisfies the longing soul,

and the hungry soul he fills with good things.

Comments:

The book of Psalms is made up of five collections of psalms. Psalm 107 is the first psalm in Book 5, the last collection of psalms. It is not the rehearsal of their national salvation history so much as a testimony to the Lord’s steadfast love delivering God’s people from whatever situation they had personally been in. There are at least four groups of people spoken of in the psalm. The verses above are the first group…The Wanderers. They are not of the happy..."Val-deri, Val-dera" kind of wanderers either.

Those described here are those who desperately hunger and thirst for more than food, longing for identity, security, and community…seeking both a place and a people where they belong. They are unable to produce what they need on their own. As they begin to fade, despairing of their self-direction, they cry out to the Lord, and he delivers them. He makes them a people and places them in a secure place where they can dwell and thrive.  

The same is true of the wanderers and searchers today. Only the Lord can fully satisfy our longings. For many, this is our story, our testimony, as a trophy of God’s grace. Let us thank the Lord for his steadfast love!

Yet, even knowing this, I know that I still fight a wandering heart at times. Robert Robinson, the 18^th Century hymn writer understood this psalm and the wandering heart when he wrote these words in the classic, “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” which we still sing today:

3. Jesus sought me when a stranger, Wandering from the fold of God;

He, to rescue me from danger, Interposed His precious blood;

How His kindness yet pursues me Mortal tongue can never tell,

Clothed in flesh, till death shall loose me, I cannot proclaim it well.

4. O to grace how great a debtor, Daily I’m constrained to be!

Let Thy goodness, like a fetter, Bind my wandering heart to Thee.

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love;

Here’s my heart, O take and seal it, Seal it for Thy courts above.

Questions:

• What other groups of spiritually needy people do you see in this psalm? 
• Which testimony has the greatest impact on you? Why? 
• Have you thanked the Lord for his love today?

Psalm 78 "Not Like Their Fathers"

Psalm for Today = 78:4, 8 
“We will not hide them from their children, 
         but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, 
                                and his might, and the wonders that he has done… 
 that they should not be like their fathers, 
a stubborn and rebellious generation, 
                                      a generation whose heart was not steadfast, 
                                                           whose spirit was not faithful to God.”

Comment: 

Photo by Yannis H on Unsplash

The psalmist exhorts the worshiper to tell the next generation about the wondrous works which God had done for them…so that they would not be stubborn and rebellious like the previous generations.

I wonder, do we take enough time to tell our stories where we point consistently to God as the hero, or do we tend to regale others with our own cleverness? Jesus is the one who redeems and transforms us. It is certainly not a result of our tugging at our own bootstraps!

The next generation needs to hear of the pain that was caused by our sins and the peace that comes with the presence of Jesus Christ. 

It will take patient vulnerability on our part.

Psalm 77 "Memories"

Psalm for Today = 77:11-15 

“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, 

 I will remember your wonders of old.

 I will ponder all your work,

 and meditate on your mighty deeds. 

Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God?

You are the God who works wonders;

you have made known your might among the peoples. 

You with your arm redeemed your people, the children of Jacob and Joseph.”

Comment: 

Photo by Julia Joppien on Unsplash

In the midst of a psalm of lament, one where the psalmist honestly longs for the" good old days" and wonders whether God is through working in his life, he chooses to remember the wonders that God had worked in the past. 

It is in his remembrance of Yahweh’s relational redemption of his people (specifically in the Red Sea crossing), that Asaph came to make this request and silently stated his trust in the Lord in his present circumstances. 

When we long for the "good old days" who is the hero of our story? 

I want to side with Asaph's choice in this.

Because we tend to remember bad things more easily than good things, I find it helpful to keep a spiritual journal of biblical devotions, breakthroughs, lessons, insights, and observations of God at work in the world, as well as my prayers and answers to prayer. Looking back, things I wrote down long ago can still encourage me in difficult times.