Toni’s Title
The Excellence of God’s Love
ESV Title
My Soul Thirsts for You
Literary Type
This is a song of trust or individual lament.
Songs of Trust
Even in direst straits, the psalmists interject words of trust and confidence in God. However, in some psalms the theme of trust is developed as a self-contained song. the psalmists share their sense of the nearness and saving power of God, and their attitude of humble trust in God. These psalms speak for us as we entrust our will and our lives to God’s care. Psalm 23 is the most famous psalm of trust.
Example: Psalms 11, 16, 23, 27:1-6, 62, 63, 91, 121, 125, 131
Laments
More than 1/3 of the Psalms fall into the category of complaints to God in situations of limitation or threat. These laments were a form of prayer and praise based on the conviction that God is concerned about people and answers the human cry in ways surpassing human expectation or understanding. Israel’s laments out of distress were a way of praising God even when he seemed absent. The faith of the psalmists is founded on the good news that God intervenes in desperate situations to help those who are distressed. The psalmists share a deep confidence that God is compassionate, concerned, hearing his people and involved with them; God is faithful and trustworthy. A lament is an outcry to God from a responsive heart. Laments came from individuals or from the community.
Examples: Psalms 3-5, 22, 27:7-14, 42, 51, 69, 90, 130, 137 and many others
NT Prayer Guide
Col. 1:9-12
Note that the verse numbering in the New Coverdale version below differs from the ESV.
Superscription
A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.
63
Deus, Deus meus
1 O God, you are my God; *
early will I seek you.
2 My soul thirsts for you, my flesh also longs after you, *
in a barren and dry land where there is no water.
3 Thus I have looked upon you in your holy place, *
that I might behold your power and glory.
4 For your loving-kindness is better than life itself; *
my lips shall praise you.
5 As long as I live I will magnify you, *
and lift up my hands in your Name.
6 My soul shall be satisfied, as with marrow and fatness, *
when my mouth praises you with joyful lips.
7 When I remember you on my bed, *
I meditate on you in the watches of the night.
8 Because you have been my helper, *
therefore under the shadow of your wings I will rejoice.
9 My soul clings to you; *
your right hand has upheld me.
10 Those who seek to destroy my life *
shall go down into the earth.
11 Let them fall upon the edge of the sword, *
that they may be a portion for jackals.
12 But the King shall rejoice in God; all those who swear by him shall be commended, *
for the mouth of those who speak lies shall be stopped.