Psalm 124: Who Is At Your Side?

The weekend Psalm for:

February 27-28, 2010

Read Psalm 124 from the English Standard Version

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The Big Idea

Way, way back in the last century, there was a movie called My Bodyguard. I saw it then, and really liked it (I hesitate to recommend it, only because I remember too few of the details). In it, a much-picked on kid befriends the new arrival--a big guy with big muscles and a sketchy past. It doesn't spoil the movie to say that together, they triumph.  

Have you ever wanted to have that kind of big guy standing next to you, protecting you, helping you to stand your ground? Someone who could be there to stand up to the work bully, the overbearing professor, the person who just seems to have it in for you?

This Psalm provides God's answer to that need. Curiously enough, it provides it not as a promise--looking forward, but as a reminiscence--looking back. "If it had not been God on our side," it begins, and then presents a litany of all the ways that the situation could have turned out worse.  It is a psalm of hope, based on the proof of the past. 

Meditation 

This Psalm is another psalm of ascent, and it was sung on the uphill road to Jerusalem, when God's people gathered there for worship. It sings praise to God for his past faithfulness, and the way it leads us to worship in the here and now.  

All of worship is built on God's activity in creation, in sustaining creation, and in seeing to the needs of his people. Things don't always turn out the way we want them to, but God's faithfulness gives meaning to all things and all situations. 

This weekend, take the time to recount the ways that God has led you, and the ways he has protected you when things could have been much worse. Remember, no matter what the situation, look back to look forward. You will continue to find your help "in the name of the Lord, who created heaven and earth" (vs 8). 

Praying With This Psalm

You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others. 

• Father God, let _________ examine their life, and the way you have proven yourself faithful. Remind them that you are the one who is by their side. 
• Oh Lord, our Redeemer, show _____ your faithfulness in not giving them over to the enemy, and may they know the comfort of having you by their side.  
• Almighty God, may ______ know that their help is in the Name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.  

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

• Romans 1:28. May God not give up...
  Father God, your word tells us that when people harden their hearts you give them up to think, and live, separated from you. Oh, Lord God, may this not be true of ______.
• Acts 17:24. Of course God made it...
  Lord Jesus Christ, reveal to _____ that you are the maker of heaven and earth. May they know that they are not abandoned. Open their eyes to the truth of your Word. 

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2010). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD)

Psalm 94: Things set right...

The weekend Psalm for:

February 20-21, 2010

Read Psalm 94 from the English Standard Version

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The Big Idea

It's standard fair in movies, TV, and books. The bad guy has been causing trouble, in comes the good guy to dish out a hungry-man-sized serving of vengeance. Crowds cheer. Roll credits. 

This Psalm shows that deep down desire we have for justice. When we see people oppressed--we want vengeance on the oppressors. Think about it: Why has this been an over-arching theme in our media and entertainment. It seems to me that the Psalms resonate with our need to see things set right, and this is particularly true of this Psalm. 

I've heard people complain that the Psalms are full of vengeance and violence. Really. So is most prime-time television, and I don't hear anyone whining about that. Yes, there is violence and vengeance here, but that's not what this Psalm is about. It's about the old phrase; "Whose side are you on?"

We want some one to stand up for us when we have been wronged. We want someone to swoop in and save the weak. In this Psalm, God's people have the promise that he will stand up for them, and he misses nothing. I love the image in the middle (beginning at vs 8). The one who planted your ears certainly can hear. The one who formed your eyes can certainly see. Don't be deceived--God is not missing anything: Not the big picture; not the small picture. 

This is a Psalm of promise. The assurance that someday, in God's time and in God's perfect understanding, things will be set right. Like last week's Psalm, it demonstrates the truth that God will ultimately see that justice is done.  

Meditation 

This Psalm is a promise of justice. The problem is, I am often unjust. Often, I have to wrestle with my own heart to keep from taking advantage of others. There are areas of my life--areas that God wants to work on--wherein I am the oppressor. Deep down, I know that the judgement falls on my own head. 

In the midst of the talk about vengeance, this Psalm talks about God's discipline. God corrects my ways, to save me from the justice that will come to us all. There is an equation here: Ignore discipline and you will Face judgement. 

This weekend, pay attention to what God is up to around you, and look for areas where he is trying to correct your path and mete out discipline. Better to take his discipline than face his wrath. Remember this: "When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul" (vs 19). 

Praying With This Psalm

You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others. 

• Father God, let _________ examine assess their own life. Are they among the proud and arrogant who take advantage of those who are weak? Give them the grace and the understanding to repent and turn from their ways and to you.
• Oh Lord, our Redeemer, may _____ know the comfort of your discipline, the protection of your vengeance, and the consolation of your steadfast love.  
• Almighty God, may ______ know what it means to rejoice in you because of your great salvation. 

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

• Romans 11:28. Some people just don't get it...
  Father God, your word tells us that some people harden their hearts so much that they end up being unable to hear your word or see your activities. Oh, Lord God, may this not be true of ______.
• Hebrews 12:6-7. Whose kid are you, anyway?...
  Lord Jesus Christ, may _____ understand and recognize the Father's discipline, and learn from it. Remind them that you only discipline your children.
• 1 Corinthians 15:27-28. All things under the sovereignty of Christ...
  Almighty God, may ______ put his life under subjection to Christ now, and willingly. May they know your disicpline, and by that, avoid your wrath. May they know you as their all in all. 

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2010). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD)

Psalm 64: Hidden Thoughts, Cross Purposes

The weekend Psalm for:

February 13-14, 2010

Read Psalm 64 from the English Standard Version

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The Big Idea

Today, a man had his day in court--given the outcome, this was the first of many. His world has crumbled, he has been indicted for fraud, and he is $750 million dollars in debt. Read that last phrase again: Three-fourths of a billion dollars. Frankly, it's more than I can wrap my mind around. 

The car dealer who stood before a judge today is the third high-profile local leader to fall in this way. 

This Psalm has one over-riding idea: The day of justice will come. As one of my old friends is fond of saying: "The wheels grind slowly, but they grind fine."

As it says in Numbers 32:23: "...your sin will find you out." I've always thought it interesting that it does not say that your sin will be found out--it says your sin will find you out --in other words, what you do reveals who you really are.

So, is this a Psalm of hope, or of judgement? Yes. This Psalm demonstrates the truth that God will ultimately see that justice is done. There are only three options available: Rejoice, repent, or continue to live in denial.  

Meditation 

This Psalm pleads for God's protection. There are people who are to be feared--the oppressors; those who trap others through ruthless schemes; those who lie in wait for an opportunity to take advantage of the weak.

In God's economy, survival of the fittest breaks down. Ultimately, those who take advantage of the weak will be called into account by the only one who truly is "the fittest." Those who are weak can celebrate that they have a champion for justice. Those who wreak injustice on others shall someday have their day in court. 

This weekend, take stock of your own life. Are you an oppressor, or are you oppressed? If you chose the latter, think again. And again. And again. Then, give thanks for Jesus Christ, who redeems us, brings us to repentance, and transforms us. We are all guilty. Jesus alone is mighty to save--in Christ alone can we read this psalm and rejoice.  

Praying With This Psalm

You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others. 

• Father God, let _________ examine their own life and assess their own life. Are they among the wicked who make plots against others; do they sharpen their words to do harm to those around them; do they think that because they will never be called to account? 
• Oh Lord, our Redeemer, open ______'s eyes that they can see their ways and evaluate them by your standards. May they turn to you in repentance before their heard becomes so hard that they can never change.  
• Almighty God, may ______ know what it means to rejoice in you because of your great salvation. 

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

• Romans 2:4. God is not ignoring injustice--he is patient...
  Father God, may ______ not presume on your mercies, but understand that when you withhold judgement for a time, it is because you desire to show them mercy. May they recognize that no one ever "gets away" with anything.
• Romans 5:11. The oppressor can be reconciled...
  Lord Jesus Christ, may _____ rejoice in the Lord through Jesus Christ, for he is the source of our reconciliation, both to God and to others.
• Matt 5:11. It is better to be oppressed than to oppress...
  Almighty God, may ______ know that there is a blessing in enduring suffering and persecution. If they are causing suffering, bring them to repentance. If they are enduring suffering, may your peace rest upon them.   

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2010). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD)

Psalm 34: A Feast for the Senses

The weekend Psalm for:

February 5-6,.2010

Read Psalm 34 from the English Standard Version

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The Big Idea

One of my favorite pieces of art is "Veiled Lady" by Rafaelo Monti. Every trip to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts includes a visit to this work. Even in a photo, you get some sense of it--that you can see through the marble veil and can gaze at the face beneath it. 

As the old line goes, " I don't know much about art, but I know what I like." Well, this carving leaves me a bit breathless.  

I love things that are beautiful and well designed. I have my favorite coffee cup, my favorite fountain pen, my favorite brand of pencil (Derwent), my favorite classic car (1937 Cord 812). My wife helped me understand this about myself: I love beauty when it is combined with functionality.

The "Veiled Lady" though is an exception to that rule. She is beautiful, with no other reason than beauty itself. No particular utility, just ars gratia aris--art for art's sake.  

This Psalm proclaims the beauties of God that represent holy beauty solely for the sake of holy beauty. Consider how David (the Psalmist) presents this idea: "Oh taste and see that the Lord is Good." 

Meditation 

This is a Psalm of Praise. God, the creator, redeemer, and sustainer is truly beautiful. Not in a sentimental, "Preci0us M0ments" saccharine sweetness, but with the explosive power of redemptive grace. The beauty of God is so all encompassing that it can be tasted; it can be seen. I assure you: the Holy Beauty of God is knowable. 

This weekend, take time to feast on the Beauty of God. Let Him fill your vision. For David, in the Psalms, he had a mere glimpse of God's beauty, a tantalizing hint of its flavor. In Jesus Christ, all of this is brought into focus. Jesus is the Bread of Life. Taste and see that the Lord is Good! 

Praying With This Psalm

You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others. 

• Father God, let _________ truly taste and see that you are good. May they know the beauty of your presence, and the very presence of your redemptive power. 
• May ______ seek you, and may they have a teachable heart like the heart of a child. 
• Almighty God, may ______ know what it means to desire life. May they keep their tongue from speaking evil, their lips from speaking deceit. May they turn from evil and do good; may they seek peace and pursue it. 
• Lord God, let _____ seek refuge in you.  

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

• John 6:35. Real Bread, Real Flavor...
  Father God, may ______ taste the real bread of life that is Jesus Christ. May they hunger for the true bread and know the flavor of your holiness.
  
• 1 Corinthians 13:12. And there's still more...
  Lord Jesus Christ, may _____ recognize that they are still seeing you "though a glass, dimly," and may they one day see you face to face.

• 2 Corinthians 4:7-10. Crushed, perplexed, persecuted, but protected...
  Almighty God, may ______ know what it means to have your presence and protection. Not in a shallow way, but in a profound, deep, beautiful way. Touch their life in a way that makes no sense to those who do not know you, but that only has meaning to those you have called and made holy through Jesus Christ.   

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2010). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD)