Prepared for Psalms Group, September 27, 2020
As I was working through Psalm 40 last week, these words on p. 84 of The Songs of Jesus leaped off the page into my mind and heart:
Lord, praying for your glory is indeed the way of liberation. If I pray, “Glorify yourself in my needs,” that frees me to receive whatever you send as your wise will. For I know that your glory includes your love. In my life, Lord, be glorified. Amen.
Tim and Kathy Keller, The Songs of Jesus, p. 84, italics mine
Dear Psalms friends,
Our focus psalm this Sunday, September 27, will be Psalm 57, an individual Davidic lament in a troubled time Let’s be asking ourselves, “How much weight, how much importance, does God actually have in my life, especially when I feel the earth shaking under my feet and my pulse quickening?”
The Exaltation of Yahweh in the Midst of Alienation
Let Your Glory Be over All the Earth
This is an individual lament.
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
Matt. 7:7-14
o the choirmaster: according to Do Not Destroy. A Miktam of David, when he fled from Saul, in the cave.
57
Miserere mei, Deus
1 Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for my soul trusts in you, *
and under the shadow of your wings shall be my refuge, until this tribulation has passed.
2 I will call unto the Most High God, *
even unto the God who shall fulfill his purpose for me.
3 He shall send from heaven and save me; he shall confound those who trample on me. *
God shall send forth his mercy and truth.
4 My soul is among lions that devour the people; *
their teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.
5 Exalt yourself, O God, above the heavens; *
let your glory be over all the earth.
6 They have laid a net for my feet, and brought down my soul; *
they dug a pit before me, but have fallen into the midst of it themselves.
7 My heart is firmly fixed, O God, my heart is fixed; *
I will sing and give praise.
8 Awake, my soul; awake, lute and harp; *
I myself will awaken the dawn.
9 I will give thanks unto you, O Lord, among the peoples, *
and I will sing praises unto you among the nations.
10 For the greatness of your mercy reaches unto the heavens, *
and your truth unto the clouds.
11 Exalt yourself, O God, above the heavens; *
let your glory be over all the earth.