Read Through The Psalms |
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The Week of February 25, 2008 Psalm 13,14, 15, 16 Psalm 13 This is the briefest prayer for help in the whole Psalter, and often is used as a template for the perfect individual lament. Look at the parts of this prayer;
This is the basic outline of all individual prayers of lament in the Psalms. Psalm 14 Another individual lament, but this time focusing upon the "foolishness" of believing that God has no governance over the world, and no interest in humankind. Notice the expressions of hope at the end of the psalm include the fact that God protects the poor.
Psalm 15 This psalm asks one simple question - who can come into God's presence? The answer has to do with moral behavior, rather than correct ritual. Only those who can keep the letter of the Law are welcomed into God's presence. Christians interject the saving death of our Savior as the "bridge" that allows us to enter into God's presence - assuming that our moral behavior will always be less than stellar! (see Paul's description in Romans 7:14-25).
Psalm 16 This psalm is most often categorized as a psalm of trust, and comes as a wonderful relief from the many psalms of lament we have experienced thus far! Look closely. God is referred to as a refuge, a cup and a chosen portion, a counselor, a teacher, a guard, and a leader. Even more important is the description of the exquisite joy that exists in God's presence. Nothing can compare to that pleasure and security.
My Thoughts: From my reading this week James L. Mays suggests that Psalm 13 can teach us who we are when we pray: We are given our true identity as mortals who stand on the earth and speak to God who is ours but not owned. Agony and adoration hung together by a cry for life - that is the truth about us as people of faith. As the elect of God we are not one but two. We are simultaneously the anxious, fearful, dying historical person who cannot find God where we want God to be, and the elect with a second history, a salvation history, a life hid with Christ in God. "How long, Lord?' we lament into empty space. We also say "you have dealt bountifully with me." From Psalms, An Interpretation Commentary Ramblings You show me the path of life, in your presence there is fullness of joy;
The older couple created quite a stir in the restaurant. A small quiet place, romantically lit by candles, this restaurant created the perfect atmosphere for a 50th wedding anniversary dinner. The couple dined alone, holding hands and smiling like besotted teenagers. They said little, and seemed to bask in each other's presence. Other patrons tried not to stare, but the couple's mutual delight transfixed the place. The chef came out of the kitchen to greet the couple. Later word came that they would not pay for their dinner; it was "on the house." The restaurant owner and workers were completely charmed by these love-birds. As other parties left the restaurant they stopped by the couple's table to wish them a happy anniversary; complete strangers sharing the joy of this one, loving pair. The Psalmist suggests that something similar happens when the person of faith finds himself or herself in the presence of God. At its best, our worship and prayer puts us in God's presence. Here we find ourselves in the presence of a God who loves us without measure, and who blesses us beyond our ability to comprehend. Here we find ourselves surrounded by the memory of God's faithfulness in the past, and the hope of God's promises for the future. Here we need not fear, and we may rest secure. What a precious place to be! I pray that each of us will cultivate God's presence in our lives. I pray that in our life together, as the church, we will focus on the presence of God in our midst. Wouldn't it be wonderful if new people enter our worship experiences, could be as captivated by our joy and delight - just as the customers in that restaurant were captivated by the delight of one loving couple? I will keep the Lord always before me; Blessings,
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