Devotions From The Psalms Week Two

Devotions From The Psalms[i]
Introduction continued . . .

---

As mentioned previously, the Psalms are basically poetic prayers set to music; which, in some ways, is confusing since the central theme in most seems to be prompted by hard times. Kind of like country music songs today, you might say-Christian country, that is! People, we are reminded once again, are the same in each generation.

Our habit, however, is to talk about God, not to him. We love to discuss God, theologically. However, the psalmist already knows God intimately, so he does not wax philosophically eloquent like so many modern theologians are prone to do. No. His approach is to tell us who God is, and shows us how a devoted man responded to Him. Therefore, it seems only reasonable that we best understand the Psalms when we bow humbly before God in prayer.

Right now, for the next few weeks, we are taking a spiritual walk through Psalm 119, and may I encourage you to allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you each day as we consider this very important part of God's word.

Psalm 119 is an acrostic poem; the verses of each stanza begin with a corresponding letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This arrangement, of course, is intended to make it easier to remember each stanza and verse of the Psalm in order.

So, because of this, we understand that it is supposed to be committed to memory. So, we can assume that God considers these verses of wise counsel and insight from the Psalmist[ii] to be of the greatest importance.

Personally, I believe that David wrote Psalm 119; although, not all scholars are in agreement with this view. It appears, however, to have the Davidic flavor when it is read; and to further strengthen this opinion there is a tradition that King David used this psalm to teach young Solomon the Hebrew alphabet and theyby instill the lessons taught in each stanza in the young boy's heart.[iii]

It should also be mentioned that chapter 119 of Psalms is the longest chapter in the Bible. The reason that it has not been divided into two or three chapters, I believe, is because it should be understood as a whole.

Further, it helps us to understand, that the chapter is written from a devoted man's perspective. It is David-whom, as I said, I believe is the author-speaking to, and about God, rather than God speaking directly to him. This, however, does not take away from the inspiration of these verses, and they bear the stamp of God's approval, and are in harmony with Divine truth.
Afflictions seemed to be very common to David, as well as to many saints throughout history. Charles H. Spurgeon once said, "Trials teach us what we are."

I believe Peter must have had this thought in mind when he wrote in 1 Peter 4: 12: "Dear friends, don't be surprised by the painful suffering you are going through. Don't feel as if something strange were happening to you. 13 Be joyful that you are taking part in Christ's sufferings. Then you will be filled with joy when Christ returns in glory." (NIRV)

So, as we read this chapter, we should keep these things in mind.

Now, join with me as we journey through this exciting part of God's word.

Prayer
Lord, in this journey where you lead, we will follow for you are our shepherd, and we are the sheep of your flock, and a stranger we will not follow. For as Peter said, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. (John 6: 68) Amen

---

[i] Introducing the Psalms
Mirrors don't lie, and neither do the Psalms, both show us exactly who we are. Mirrors show us the shape of our figure, or a bump on our nose, warts and all. The Psalms show us the shape of our souls, the pretty and the ugly.

The Psalms are basically poetic prayers set to music; which, in some ways, is confusing since the central theme in most seems to be prompted by hard times. Kind of like country music songs today, you might say-Christian country, that is! People, we are reminded once again, are the same in each generation.

Poetry is the language of the heart, and as such reflects the intensity of the soul. Prayer is the language of the soul, and as such reflects our relationship with God. Set this to music, and you have a perfect spiritual match.

Our habit, however, is to talk about God, not to him. We love to discuss God, theologically. However, the psalmist already knows God intimately, so he does not wax philosophically eloquent like so many modern theologians are prone to do. No. His approach is to tell us who God is, and shows us how a devoted man responded to Him. Therefore, it seems only reasonable that we best understand the Psalms when we bow humbly before God in prayer.

[ii] Personally, I believe that David wrote Psalm 119; although, not all scholars are in agreement with this view. It appears, however, to have the Davidic flavor when it is read. Afflictions seemed to be very common to David, as well as to many saints throughout history.

[iii] This Psalm, which is numbered Psalm 118 in the Septuagint (LXX), figures prominently in the worship of the Orthodox Church. There is a tradition that King David used this psalm to teach his young son Solomon the alphabet--but not just the alphabet for writing letters: the alphabet of the spiritual life.