Lately, the Psalms are constantly on my
brain. And I think that has been a good thing. For the last few weeks in the
TruthSeekers Sunday night Bible study we have been doing sort of a categorical
study of the Psalms, looking at the recurring themes and ideas and why they
were so important to some Israelite poets who lived three thousand years ago.
That alone is mind-boggling, even for a student of history like me. The very
fact that we can read, comprehend and learn from those whose poetry was already
ancient when Jesus walked along the shores of Galilee. It is amazing that God
saw fit to include these poems and songs for us in the canon of Scripture.
The Psalms are so deep and rich, yet it is
frequently one of the most overlooked books in the Bible. We normally only turn
to it in times of distress, sorrow, and when death looms near. For the Jews and
the early church, the Psalms were their worship hymnal, and was a part of their
regular worship of the Lord. We have lost that, and it hasn't done us any favors.
Many of the psalms written by David were
composed when he was running for his life from Saul. Hiding in caves, in the
mountains and wilderness regions of Israel, he somehow found the time to
reflect on what it all meant and what God had done and was doing for him.
In Psalm 40 David was once again hiding
from the king and his army, and here he wrote a psalm of thanksgiving and a cry
for help. While I do not think David intended it to be so, this psalm reflects
the attitude believers should have about salvation. Verse two is a vivid
description of being saved from sin and being given a new position before God
thanks to the finished work of Christ. Verse three describes the praise that
should flow from our hearts, and the testimony that comes from a thankful
heart. Those thoughts alone are excellent reminders and things to reflect on,
but he is not done. He goes on to tell us about true happiness that comes from
trust in God and His eternal truth (verse four). There are so many things that
God has done for us, His wonderful work, the plans He has for us – we could
never have enough time to talk about them, we could never find the words to
accurately describe what He has done for us. We are at a loss for words, as we
should be when think about the Holy and Righteous King of kings, who loved us,
gave Himself for us, and eternally loves us.
I
waited patiently for the LORD, and he turned to me and heard my cry for help.
He
brought me up from a desolate pit, out of the muddy clay, and set my feet on a
rock,
making
my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.
Many
will see and fear, and they will trust in the LORD.
How
happy is anyone who has put his trust in the LORD and has not turned to the
proud
or
to those who run after lies! LORD my God, you have done many things –
your
wondrous works and your plans for us; none can compare with you.
If
I were to report and speak of them they are more than can be told.
Psalm
40:1-5 (CSB)
-
Ray Perdue, Men’s Ministry Director
