Psalm 146

Psalm 146

This begins a series of “Hallelujah” Psalms, five songs that begin with “Praise the Lord” and call for the worship of God. The historical setting of this song gives us a fuller understanding. We believe the psalm was written when Cyrus had a change of heart about his support of the post-exile Jews, hence verse 3.

We all have a tendency to look to human leaders for our help and to place our trust in them. This change of heart by the king is the occasion for the reminder to not trust powerful men or institutions. Even the greatest ruler will one day become dust. Trusting in men will always result in an emotional roller coaster.

In contrast, in verse 5 we see that the person who places his hope in the Lord is “blessed.” The blessed life is one in a right relationship with God and is not dependent upon circumstances. The blessed person lives with an all-prevailing sense that all is and will be well. It is the life that is enviable and desirable. Why put our trust in anyone who is unable to provide that kind of confidence?

“Help me, Lord, to always place my complete trust in you and you alone. AMEN.”

Psalm 145

Psalm 145

This is the last alphabet song in which each verse begins with the next letter of the Hebrew alphabet. A slow and methodical study of each verse would be both a great value and an encouraging delight. 

For our purposes we will only look at verse 8. There are four descriptions of the Lord in this verse. First, He is gracious. This term highlights God's willingness to forgive and extend grace. God is not distant or capricious but intimately and caringly involved. Second, He is merciful. This word describes God's deep love for His creation. It describes how He draws us into the covenant relationship we have with God. He deeply cares and is committed to us. He is working harder in this relationship than we are. Third, slow to anger is the next description. In all human conditions, we want justice, revenge, and payback, and we want it as soon as possible. But despite our multiple provocations, God holds back our just punishments. Fourth, God is great or gigantic in His unwavering loving commitment and devotion to us. What a beautiful picture of God's passionate pursuit of a relationship with us.

“Lord, help me to respond to your pursuit of me. AMEN.” 

Psalm 144

Psalm 144

The order of the songs is most appropriate. In Psalms 141-143 we have seen David in dire circumstances pleading for God's rescue. Now at the end of this Psalm we see the Psalmist in happy, hopeful, and peaceful circumstances.

In verses 1-4 we see David doing what he ought by acknowledging God is the One who causes victory. In verses 5-8 he talks about the might and the glory of God. The phrase “bow of Heavens” is to say, “Even the Heavens sag under the weight of God's glory and might.” Man may participate, but God is the one who is the real actor and the real cause. We see in verses 9-11 the appropriate response on the part of a godly person: praise and worship. The new song is not for the sake of novelty, but because new experiences with God's mercy call for new expressions of our praise. In verses 12-15 we see the life of God's people in the peaceful kingdom. We see the multiplication of children, produce, grain, livestock, and peace. Verse 14b is descriptive of a society without a need for police. We conclude in verse 15 that humble people who are under God's care are a blessed people.

“Lord, we ask for life in Your kingdom and whatever blessing that may entail. AMEN.” 

Psalm 143

Psalm 143

The emotion and situation behind the psalm are almost beyond comprehension. We believe it was written by David as he was fleeing from Absalom. During the persecution of Saul, he was within a hair's breadth of destruction and was forced to hide in caves. Now he finds himself in similar circumstances, but this time the killer is his own son.

In the midst of these difficult moments, David gives us three insights that will find application in our lives. First, in verse 2, David admits that he needs mercy, not justice: "No man living is righteous." Both David and Absalom were guilty of great evil. So why should God side with David and not his enemy? Because God always chooses the side of those who have a heart of true repentance. Second, God is never late but rarely early. In verse 8 we get the impression that if David doesn't get some good news in the morning, his cause may be lost. Often our situations seem hopeless, but our God is great at the last-minute rescue. And third, in verse 10, we see David's anticipation of the spirit of God leading him. The Lord's Spirit is the author of all our good desires and holy purposes.

“Lord, lead me in the midst of my greatest perils. AMEN.”

Psalm 142

Psalm 142

Everyone has a low point. For David it was in the cave of Engedi, hiding from Saul. David has retreated and found himself taking refuge in a cave only to find Saul and his army surrounding the cave and Saul himself coming in. David's complaint is not that of a weak, whining, wilted lily but of a strong hero who is completely spent. He has come to the end of all of his resources, and now there is nothing left. The word "overwhelmed" in verse 3 is descriptive of someone who is completely covered or buried to the point of suffocation and passing out because of the physical exhaustion, emotional distress, and spiritual burden. David feels alone. There is no one on his right; that is his sword hand, and it means that the defense of a fellow combatant’s shield is not available. He is completely spent and without resources. Yet David has his greatest hope: passionate prayer!

Verses 5-7 are the confidence of a man who, in spite of the distress he suffers because he is faithful to God, will be heard and rescued from what appears to be a helpless situation.

“Lord, be my strength when there is no other. AMEN.”

Psalm 141

Psalm 141

There are occasions when a righteous person is forced to be in the company of the ungodly. This Psalm is descriptive of that kind of reality and advises how to live in hope. It may have been written by David when he was running from Saul and had to spend time with Achish, the pagan king of Gath.

In v. 2 David is unable to be present in the evening rituals of worship, but he pleads that his prayers would, on this occasion, be a suitable substitute. By faithfully keeping the practices of his religion, he wants to keep his faith intact, even in the midst of the influence and allurements of the pagan people around him.

V. 5 gives us two principles or practices of David while in this godless environment. First is a righteous companion to hold him accountable, and second, he is praying, covertly no doubt, against those around him. Vs. 6-7 might be his prayer for the ruin of these evildoers.

David is not naive about the danger of life in the ‘belly of the beast’ and is pleading with God for protection, vs. 8-10. There are times when we have no choice but to be in the midst of the wicked, but we can remain faithful, even in the court of a pagan king.

“Lord, help me to remain faithful to You wherever I may find myself. AMEN.”

Psalm 140

Psalm 140

The Psalms are amazing in their stark realism. They are not given to flights of fancy or pipe dreams of perpetual bliss here on earth. Psalm 140 is the psalm of an oppressed and persecuted godly individual. We would do well to take a moment with the same kind of realism and examine the realities of our days. If we do, we will find persecution or hardship a very likely scenario.

This psalm gives us a picture of one who was so persecuted and from whom we can learn an appropriate response. There are three keys to dealing with persecution. Please forgive the alliteration. First there is Realism. Too many Christians want to believe the foolish ideal that people are basically good and with the right counsel we can dialogue things to a happy, just conclusion. Second, there is Release. While we are to be prudent, we know that only God can protect and provide real justice. Releasing our right to revenge doesn’t mean that evil people get away with anything. Third, there is Rest, especially in vs. 13-14. God has an especially sympathetic eye for those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake. So much so that they are ultimately promised the Kingdom of Heaven.

“Lord, grant me wisdom, prudence, and faith in times of persecution. AMEN.”