Worship: A Study in PsalmsSample

What does it say?

David’s song of rejoicing praised the Lord as the righteous Judge of the wicked.

What does it mean?

David spoke from experience about the Lord’s trustworthiness. His presence is a place to hide when trouble comes; those who call on His name are not disappointed. From this perspective, David wrote prophetically of a day when all of Israel’s enemies would be defeated. God will righteously act on behalf of His people just as He had done for David personally. He then shifted back to his present life, where he was still in need of God’s mercy. David praised the Lord and petitioned Him for help simultaneously, saying, “Don’t stop now, Lord!” The reason for David’s request reveals why he was “a man after God’s own heart” – he longed to openly praise the Lord in Zion.

How should I respond?

Some people stop coming to church because God didn’t answer a prayer to their liking at some point, and they concluded that He didn’t show up. Have you been disappointed at how God handled a particular matter? He may be trying to give you something far greater than immediate relief – the knowledge of his intimate presence. There will always be trouble of some kind in this world, but the Lord is our trustworthy refuge. However He responds is right and just. Tell someone today what God has already done on your behalf, even if you’re still praying about a difficult situation.