Worship: A Study in PsalmsSample

What does it say?

The psalmist sang of the Lord’s love and faithfulness because of the covenant He established through the line of David. Who can compare with the Lord?

What does it mean?

The backdrop of this psalm is the Babylonian exile. Jerusalem lay in ruins as her wicked king was taken captive. Yet the psalmist starts by declaring God’s love and faithfulness. God’s covenant with David’s descendants depended not on their faithfulness to Him but on His divine nature. In the same way, the psalmist’s faith was not reliant on his circumstances but was anchored in God’s character. Israel’s immediate future was bleak, but they were under the care of their awesome, strong, powerful, righteous, just, and loving God. Although it felt as if God had revoked His covenant, He had not. Its ultimate fulfillment will be the reign of Jesus as King Eternal.

How should I respond?

Emotions are tricky; they can take us from delight to despair in a matter of minutes, but what’s happening to you or around you doesn’t affect God’s unchanging character. Look back over Psalm 89; highlight the names and qualities of God in this passage. Which aspect of His character is particularly meaningful to you today? Which name for Him do you need to call on in light of your current situation? Remember, your circumstances and feelings may fluctuate, but God’s faithfulness does not.