Studies in the Psalms - Psalm 47

Sometimes we just need to stop whatever we are doing and praise God. The world has become an unthankful place and the heart of a Christian cannot follow that path. All of us have so much to be thankful to God for, yet in this “me” society we live in, we credit ourselves for what we have. James 1:17 reminds us that “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.” And there is plenty to be thankful for, but even if we had nothing in terms of physical wealth, we still have the gift of salvation.

Psalm 47:1-4

 Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy!  For the LORD, the Most High, is to be feared, a great king over all the earth.  He subdued peoples under us, and nations under our feet.  He chose our heritage for us, the pride of Jacob whom he loves. Selah

Clap and shout to God with loud songs of joy. He is the Most High, He is a great king over all, and He subdues all the nations. He chose our heritage, just as He chose Israel to be the nation upon which salvation would come.

In this Psalm we see a picture of Christ. We see in it the resurrection.

Psalm 47:5-7
God has gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.  Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises!  For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with a psalm!

We see in the day when Christ returns and subdues the earth, both in verse 3, He subdued peoples under us, and nations under our feet, and in verses 8 and 9.

Psalm 47:8-9
God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne.  The princes of the peoples gather as the people of the God of Abraham. For the shields of the earth belong to God; he is highly exalted!

God reigns now and He reigns in eternity. This is cause to rejoice. This is cause to be thankful. This is cause to hope.

For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with a psalm!

Studies In the Psalms - Psalm 21

This is a psalm of praise from David in response to the victories God gave David. It is a reminder to us to be always mindful of the many answered prayers God has given us. Praise and worship must ever be in our minds and on our lips, as we thank God every day for the good He has given us. Though not on the list of messianic psalms, one can clearly see Jesus in it. Notice the reference to salvation. Notice in whose strength it lies.

Psalm 21:1

O LORD, in your strength the king rejoices, and in your salvation how greatly he exults!

We think it is worldly things that will bring us happiness. We want good jobs, nicer houses, cars and boats, the list goes on and on. Many turn to drugs, sex, and alcohol to find the cure for the longing in their hearts, but it is being in the presence of God for all eternity that will finally fill the desire in us. Seek first the Kingdom and then these things will be given as well. (Matthew 6:33)

Psalm 21:2-4
You have given him his heart’s desire and have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah For you meet him with rich blessings; you set a crown of fine gold upon his head.  He asked life of you; you gave it to him, length of days forever and ever.

David goes on to praise God and in this psalm, is a glimpse at the future for the Christian.

Psalm 21:8-12
Your hand will find out all your enemies; your right hand will find out those who hate you. You will make them as a blazing oven when you appear. The LORD will swallow them up in his wrath, and fire will consume them.  You will destroy their descendants from the earth, and their offspring from among the children of man.  Though they plan evil against you, though they devise mischief, they will not succeed.  For you will put them to flight; you will aim at their faces with your bows.

The Lord Jesus is coming back and when He does He will swallow our enemies, fire will consume them.

Put your faith in Christ. Sing and praise Him.

Psalm 21:13
Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength! We will sing and praise your power.

Amen!

Studies in the Psalms - Psalm 19

 This psalm is a reminder of the answer to a question many skeptics bring up when Christians talk about Jesus as the only way to God and answers the atheist as well. God has revealed Himself in creation

Psalm 19:1

The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.

Paul expands on this taking it to a serious conclusion.

Romans 1:18-20
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,  because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them.  For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.

Even those who might say they never heard the Gospel will still be held accountable, for God has revealed Himself in creation and anyone who calls out to Him, God will send the Gospel.

Psalm 19 also reminds us of the truth of the scriptures and their value in providing us with our moral code. The Bible is exactly what we need to live life as God has called us to.

Psalm 19:7-8
The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.  The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.

The truth is God’s ways are perfect and in His law, we find the answer to finding joy.

Psalm 19:9-11
The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether.  They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.  Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward.

David finishes this great psalm with a prayer; a prayer we all need to pray.

Psalm 19:12-14
Who can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults.  Also keep back Your servant from presumptuous sins; Let them not rule over me; Then I will be blameless, And I shall be acquitted of great transgression.  Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.

The final words speak of the coming messiah; Lord Jesus, our rock, our redeemer.