May God be Gracious

May God be gracious to us and bless us

and make his face to shine upon us,

Selah

that your way may be known on earth,

your saving power among all nations.

Let the peoples praise you, O God;

let all the peoples praise you!

Let the nations be glad and sing for joy,

for you judge the peoples with equity

and guide the nations upon earth.

Selah

Let the peoples praise you, O God;

let all the peoples praise you!

The earth has yielded its increase;

God, our God, shall bless us.

God shall bless us;

let all the ends of the earth fear him!

--Psalm 67

God and the Psalms

Reading through the Psalms in the Bible can often times be a shocking experience. The violence, the raw confession, the wildness, the dancing, the hatred, the doubt, the despair, the loneliness, the joy, the celebration, the death, the mystery...it is a very exciting and diverse collection of experiences and emotions. One particularly interesting topic that many of the Psalms deal with is sin.


Sometimes it can feel that the Psalmists can be "too honest". Whenever I am reading through a Psalm and I come across a verse that says "my iniquities have overtaken me, and I cannot see; they are more than the hairs of my head, my heart fails me" (Psalm 40:12) it takes me off guard no matter how familiar that experience is to my soul. It is amazing how often and how severely the Psalm writers deal with the struggles and evils in their lives. Psalm 38 verses three and four state "There is no soundness in my flesh because of your indignation; there is no health in my bones because of my sin. For my iniquities have gone over my head; like a heavy burden they are too heavy for me". Psalm 51 shows David lamenting the reality of his sin being ever before him. When I read these passages I always think of Romans 7 where Paul says "For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing." (Romans 7:18b-19)


It is amazing sometimes to realize that the people who were living for God back then are just like us in their struggles, temptations, and sin. No Christ-follower misses the war. No one who has been rescued by God is exempt from dealing with the powers of darkness.


But why did the Psalmists write like this? Why did Paul write what he wrote in Romans 7? Because of who God is.


In Psalm 40 David knows His God is the one who "drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock". David knows that God will show steadfast love and faithfulness. The writer knew that our God is the God who gives us a new song to sing.

In Psalm 38 David again comes to the Lord for he believes that God is all knowing. He comes to God for He knows that the Lord "will answer." He calls out to the Creator for the Creator is our salvation. In Psalm 51 David cries out to his Father for he believes that He can give him a clean heart and the renewal of a right spirit. He comes to the Father of Lights because He trusts that this one at whose right hand are pleasures forevermore will be able to restore the joy of His salvation. Paul, in Romans 7, ends by saying "Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!". In chapter 8 Paul writes those words that bring so much comfort, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."


The writers of these sections of the Bible spoke so honestly about their struggles because of the God they believed in. They trusted that the Lord Jesus who shed His blood for the glory of redemption would cover their sins. They trusted that the Father who loved the world and gave His only Son would forgive them. They walked by faith in the promises of God.


These sections in the Scriptures are very encouraging. They admit the sin, but they point to the gracious and merciful God who loves us. I hope that we will join with the Psalm writers and continue to point ourselves and others to the Maker of the heavens and the earth who offers to forgive sins.

Steadfast Love in Forgiveness

Blessed is the one whose transgression are forgiven,

whose sin is covered.

Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity,

and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away

through my groaning all day long.

For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;

my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.

Selah

I acknowledged my sin to you,

and I did not cover my iniquity;

I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,"

and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.

Selah

Therefore let everyone who is godly

offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found;

surely in the rush of great waters,

they shall not reach him.

You are a hiding place for me;

you preserve me from trouble;

you surround me with shouts of deliverance.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;

I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding,

which must be curbed with bit and bridle,

or it will not stay near you.

Many are the sorrows of the wicked,

but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD.

Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous,

and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!

Carry Them Forever

To you, O LORD, I call;

my rock, be not deaf to me,

lest, if you be silent to me,

I become like those who go down to the pit.

Hear the voice of my pleas for mercy,

when I cry to you for help,

when I lift up my hands

toward your most holy sanctuary.

Do not drag me off with the wicked,

with the workers of evil,

who speak peace with their neighbors

while evil is in their hearts.

Give to them according to their work

and according to the evil of their deeds;

give to them according to the work of their hands;

render them their due reward.

Because they do not regard the works of the LORD

or the work of his hands,

he will tear them down and build them up no more.

Blessed be the LORD!

For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy.

The LORD is my strength and my shield;

in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;

my heart exults,

and with my song I give thanks to him.

The LORD is the strength of his people;

he is the saving refuge of his anointed.

Oh, save your people and bless your heritage!

Be their shepherd and carry them forever.

-Psalm 28

I Have No Good Apart from You

Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the LORD, "You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you."

As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones,
in whom is all my delight.

The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply;
their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out
or take their names on my lips.

The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

I bless the LORD who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
I have set the LORD always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
my flesh also dwells secure.
For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
or let your holy one see corruption.

You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

--Psalm 16

Psalm 148

Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens;
praise him in the heights!
Praise him, all his angels;
praise him, all his hosts!

Praise him, sun and moon,
praise him, all you shining stars!
Praise him, you highest heavens,
and you waters above the heavens!

Let them praise the name of the LORD!
For he commanded and they were created.
And he established them forever and ever;
he gave a decree, and it shall not pass away.

Praise the LORD from the earth,
you great sea creatures and all deeps,
fire and hail, snow and mist,
stormy wind fulfilling his word!

Mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars!
Beasts and all livestock,
creeping things and flying birds!

Kings of the earth and all peoples,
princes and all rulers of the earth!
Young men and maidens together,
old men and children!

Let them praise the name of the LO
for his name alone is exalted;
his majesty is above earth and heaven.
He has raised up a horn for his people,
praise for all his saints,
for the people of Israel who are near to him.
Praise the LORD!

Abundant Goodness

Psalm 145

I will extol you my God and my King

and bless your name forever and ever.

Every day I will bless you
and praise your name forever and ever.
Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised,
and his greatness is unsearchable.

One generation shall commend your works to another,
and shall declare your mighty acts.
On the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds,
and I will declare your greatness.
They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness
and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.

The LORD is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
The LORD is good to all,
and his mercy is over all that he has made.

All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD,
and all your saints shall bless you!
They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom
and tell of your power,
to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds,
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures throughout all generations.

[The LORD is faithful in all his words
and kind in all his works.]
The LORD upholds all who are falling
and raises up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food in due season.
You open your hand;
you satisfy the desire of every living thing.
The LORD is righteous in all his ways
and kind in all his works.
The LORD is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
He fulfills the desire of those who fear him;
he also hears their cry and saves them.
The LORD preserves all who love him,
but all the wicked he will destroy.

My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD,
and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.

A Passion for the Word of God

Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes;
and I will keep it to the end.
Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
and observe it with my whole heart.

Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.
Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain!
Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
and give me life in your ways.
Confirm to your servant your promise, that you may be feared.
Turn away the reproach that I dread, for your rules are good
Behold, I long for your precepts;
in your righteousness give me life!

Let your steadfast love come to me, O LORD,
your salvation according to your promise;
then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.
And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
for my hope is in your rules.

I will keep your law continually,
forever and ever, and I shall walk in a wide place,
for I have sought your precepts.
I will also speak of your testimonies before kings
and shall not be put to shame,
for I find my delight in your commandments,
which I love.
I will lift up my hands toward your commandments,
which I love,
and I will meditate on your statutes.

--Psalm 119:33-48

Psalm 111

Great Are the LORD’s Works Praise the LORD!
I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart,
in the company of the upright, in the congregation.

Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them.
Full of splendor and majesty is his work,
and his righteousness endures forever.
He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered;
the LORD is gracious and merciful.
He provides food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever.
He has shown his people the power of his works,
in giving them the inheritance of the nations.

The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy;they are established forever and ever,
to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.

He sent redemption to his people;
he has commanded his covenant forever.
Holy and awesome is his name!
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever!

--Psalm 111

The Goodness of God

This is a beautiful Psalm. Our God is such a mighty God. He is a God who provides for us. He is the God of salvation. He atones for our transgressions. He brings His children near. He is the only God, and He is worthy of our praise and adoration! This is a wonderful text to motivate our hearts to gratitude!

Psalm 65

Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion,
and to you shall vows be performed.
O you who hear prayer,
to you shall all flesh come.

When iniquities prevail against me,
you atone for our transgressions.
Blessed is the one you choose and bring near,
to dwell in your courts!
We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house,
the holiness of your temple!

By awesome deeds you answer us with righteousness,
O God of our salvation, the hope of all the ends of the earth
and of the farthest seas;
the one who by his strength established the mountains,
being girded with might;
who stills the roaring of the seas,
the roaring of their waves,
the tumult of the peoples,
so that those who dwell at the ends of the earth are in awe at your signs.

You make the going out of the morning and the evening to shout for joy.
You visit the earth and water it;
you greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water;
you provide their grain,
for so you have prepared it.
You water its furrows abundantly,
settling its ridges, softening it with showers,
and blessing its growth.

You crown the year with your bounty;
your wagon tracks overflow with abundance.
The pastures of the wilderness overflow,
the hills gird themselves with joy,
the meadows clothe themselves with flocks,
the valleys deck themselves with grain,
they shout and sing together for joy.

A Psalm of Praise and Thanksgiving

I give you thanks, O LORD with my whole heart;
before the gods I sing your praise;
I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness,
for you have exalted above all things your name and your word.


On the day I called, you answered me;
my strength of soul you increased.


All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O LORD,
for they have heard the words of your mouth,
and they shall sing of the ways of the LORD,
for great is the glory of the LORD.


For though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly,
but the haughty he knows from afar.


Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life;
you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies,
and your right hand delivers me.


The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;
your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.
Do not forsake the work of your hands.
-Psalm 138

The Lord Reigns

There is only one God. He is the God who sovereignly reigns over all things! He alone is worthy of praise. He has stretched out the heavens and calls the starry hosts by name! It is He who knows how many hairs are upon your head! It is He who has worked out His glorious plan of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. It is He, though knowing our every thought, word, and deed, who offers forgiveness for sins. Our God is omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent! May we cast worthless idols to the ground as we worship the one, true, and living God! The LORD reigns and he alone is worthy of our praise.

"The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice;
let the many coastlands be glad!
Clouds and thick darkness are all around him;
righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
Fire goes before him and burns up his adversaries all around.
His lightnings light up the world;
the earth sees and trembles.
The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,
before the Lord of all the earth.

The heavens proclaim his righteousness,
and all the peoples see his glory.
All worshipers of images are put to shame,
who make their boast in worthless idols;
worship him, all you gods!

Zion hears and is glad,
and the daughters of Judah rejoice,
because of your judgments, O LORD.
For you, O LORD, are most high over all the earth;
you are exalted far above all gods.

O you who love the LORD, hate evil!
He preserves the lives of his saints;
he delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
Light is sown for the righteous,
and joy for the upright in heart.
Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous,
and give thanks to his holy name."

-Psalm 97

The Lord is your Keeper

Today I want to post a Psalm for us to read. The Psalms are a great place to get lost in, as they are like an anatomy of all the parts of the soul. This particular Psalm is very encouraging to the child of God on the journey of worship.

"I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot be moved;
he who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord is your keeper;
the Lord is your shade on your right hand.
The sun shall not stike you by day,
nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all evil;
he will keep your life.
The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in
from this time forth and forevermore."

-Psalm 121