Today's Psalms?
Pure praise of God is not only a response to what He has done, but it is a result of pure faith. David displayed this throughout his many psalms. His heartfelt lyrics have been quoted, preached, and sung since the day he uttered them. They are an integral part of the praise given by believers today. We somehow feel they were written for our use. Surely, David had insight to the millions of people who would repeat his words of praise unto God. That's it! That's why he wrote them! That's why they were recorded in the greatest book ever written! Wrong. Though his expressions should resonate with ours, they were his none the less. Don't misunderstand me; we are to grasp the example of David's praise. But, we are also to gain knowledge from what constitutes that praise.
Let me explain. When Psalm 57 is referenced or read, we cling to verses 7-11(NKJV)...
My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and give praise.
Awake, my glory! Awake, lute and harp! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise
You, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing to You among the nations. For
Your mercy reaches unto the heavens, and Your truth unto the clouds. Be
exalted, O God, above the heavens; let Your glory be above all the earth.
What we tend to lose sight of is that those moving statements of praise were spoken in faith. David wasn't in a place of comfort, peace, or victory; all to which would seem probable for such praise. No, he was in exile, hiding, fearful for his life. He was dwelling in a physical and spiritual cave. He wasn't the psalmist David as we label him at that moment. He was a struggling man exercising the greatest weapon to the enemy of our soul, the moving of God's hand in our lives, and the conception of pure praise - FAITH. There were 6 prior verses that described the reality of his situation. It wasn't the "proper" atmosphere for praise.
Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You;
And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, until these
calamities have passed by. I will cry out to God Most High, To God
who performs all things for me. He shall send from heaven and save me;
He reproaches the one who would swallow me up. Selah
God shall send forth His mercy and His truth. My soul is among lions;
I lie among the sons of men who are set on fire, whose teeth are spears
and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword. Be exalted, O God, above
the heavens; Let Your glory be above all the earth. They have prepared
a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down; They have dug a pit before me;
Into the midst of it they themselves have fallen. Selah
Psalm 57:1-6 (NKJV)
Where are our psalms? Many times this great psalmist, David, pleads for us to create our own by saying, "Sing to Him a new song." David didn't request for you to sing his song. Your praise must result from your faith. Too often we help the worldly artist in singing the "blues." It's acceptable to our Father for you to cry out in your current position. However, he's awaiting the pure praise to come forth from pure faith. You are a psalmist. Not by title, but by spiritual nature. Speak, write, sing your faith. That is the purest of praise.
Let me explain. When Psalm 57 is referenced or read, we cling to verses 7-11(NKJV)...
My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and give praise.
Awake, my glory! Awake, lute and harp! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise
You, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing to You among the nations. For
Your mercy reaches unto the heavens, and Your truth unto the clouds. Be
exalted, O God, above the heavens; let Your glory be above all the earth.
What we tend to lose sight of is that those moving statements of praise were spoken in faith. David wasn't in a place of comfort, peace, or victory; all to which would seem probable for such praise. No, he was in exile, hiding, fearful for his life. He was dwelling in a physical and spiritual cave. He wasn't the psalmist David as we label him at that moment. He was a struggling man exercising the greatest weapon to the enemy of our soul, the moving of God's hand in our lives, and the conception of pure praise - FAITH. There were 6 prior verses that described the reality of his situation. It wasn't the "proper" atmosphere for praise.
Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You;
And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, until these
calamities have passed by. I will cry out to God Most High, To God
who performs all things for me. He shall send from heaven and save me;
He reproaches the one who would swallow me up. Selah
God shall send forth His mercy and His truth. My soul is among lions;
I lie among the sons of men who are set on fire, whose teeth are spears
and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword. Be exalted, O God, above
the heavens; Let Your glory be above all the earth. They have prepared
a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down; They have dug a pit before me;
Into the midst of it they themselves have fallen. Selah
Psalm 57:1-6 (NKJV)
Where are our psalms? Many times this great psalmist, David, pleads for us to create our own by saying, "Sing to Him a new song." David didn't request for you to sing his song. Your praise must result from your faith. Too often we help the worldly artist in singing the "blues." It's acceptable to our Father for you to cry out in your current position. However, he's awaiting the pure praise to come forth from pure faith. You are a psalmist. Not by title, but by spiritual nature. Speak, write, sing your faith. That is the purest of praise.
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