Devotions from the Psalms Week One

Introduction

Our devotions for this series begin with the Psalms a hymnbook for the Jews. It is, however, like no other hymn book ever written since it is also the inerrant word of God. Immediately, that statement challenges us since the Psalms contain some of the most barbaric language in the entire Bible.

For example, we read in Psalm 137:1-7 these words:

7 Remember, O LORD, what the Edomites did

       on the day Jerusalem fell.

       "Tear it down," they cried,

       "tear it down to its foundations!"

 8 O Daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction,

       happy is he who repays you

       for what you have done to us-

 9 he who seizes your infants

       and dashes them against the rocks.

These words, of course, were penned in a time of deep bitter distress. The exiles were in Babylon, taunted by their captors to sing songs of joy. Of course, they couldn't. The only thoughts they could conjure up were thoughts of revenge. So, naturally they composed these hateful verses. If that be the case-and it was, in my opinion-then why did God allow this to become part of Scripture?

The answer is that first of all God never shies away from reality.  He never paints a rosy picture of man or his predicament. Scripture-the Psalms included-are simply a reflection of humanity, warts and all.

So, keep in mind that Psalm 137:1-7 is basically a song in the form of a prayer and, as with any prayer, an expression that anticipates a response. In this case, God is silent and allows the psalmist to blow off steam. Which to me shows that God understands frustration. Be angry and sin not, are also the words of Scripture.

These exiles were angry, frustrated, and, yes, even bitter.

This type of reaction we will see throughout the Psalms, and from God's perspective certainly not pleasing; however. It does show His patience and His gentle kindness when he deals with fallen humanity. So, with these thoughts in mind, let us consider Psalm 1, which reads:

1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

We notice that the Psalm begins with a blessing.  God is always more anxious to bless than to curse us. Curses we bring upon ourselves; however, God wants to bless us. Throughout Scripture this has always been the case. Jeremiah, for instance, said to the bitter and broken exiles,

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Blessings, however, come with conditions. We must delight in God's laws, and meditate on them continually. That is, when we obey His laws we can count on His blessings.

E. Stanley Jones, one of the great missionary luminaries of the last century compiled all of his wisdom and experience in one final book The Divine Yes (1975) which was published posthumously. The essence of the entire book was that if we choose to live in harmony with God and nature as God intended then we will be blessed beyond imagination. In other words, we must on all occasions say "Yes" to everything God says and does. In this same vein, Paul wrote:

"For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us -- by me, Silvanus, and Timothy -- was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes. For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us." (I Corinthians 1:19-20 NKJV).

Contrast this, as Jones on another occasion reminded us, with the "No" of Buddhism. For Buddha existence and suffering are one inextricably tied together and that horrible reality can only be eliminated by a complete annihilation or destruction of self or existence. There is no other choice. In other words, Buddha would get rid of our life problems by getting rid of life itself - which, of course, is tantamount to getting rid of your headache by getting rid of your head.

Not so with the message of good news brought about by Jesus, as even a casual study of the Beatitudes will teach us. Here are the words of that great sermon, read them for yourself and obey them and you will be blessed!

1 Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him,

2 and he began to teach them saying:

3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are those who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek,

for they will inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they will be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful,

for they will be shown mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart,

for they will see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they will be called sons of God.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5: 1-10)

Prayer

Lord give me the desire to study your Word and the courage to grow in the knowledge of your ways, so that I may please you. May I daily delight and meditate on your laws. May I develop friendships that are pleasing to you. Above all, may I never become addicted to ridicule and cynicism. Help me to see the value of keeping a positive attitude towards all of my circumstances. May I see a silver lining in every cloud. Teach me that all things do work together for my good when my trust is in You. Amen.