READ:
Psalms 31-33
Although these chapters may not have been written
in any specific order, they do fall in a progression we can use for ourselves
today.
In Psalm 31 we see the Psalmist, David, pour out
his heart to the Lord, telling him how hard life is. He talks about being
consumed, and being treated poorly. There are traps set for him all around, and
he feels like there is a battle every which way he turns. We sometimes feel the
same way. Yet, thrown into this conversation with God are declarations of his
belief in God’s goodness. His commitments to trusting God no matter what, and
loving God with all his heart, keep him going in the hard times.
Psalm 32 is the testimony of David after having his
sin forgiven. We know how heavy the burden of unconfessed sin is. It eats at
us. It can make us physically sick. No area of our lives is untouched by
unconfessed sin. When that sin is confessed, forgiven and dealt with our lives
are transformed. This is the theme of Psalm 32 – the blessing of confession and
forgiveness. David says his bones wasted away, he was weak and tired from his
sin. However, once he confessed his sins to God he was a new man! As a matter
of fact, he thinks everyone should do
it! Verse 6 says “therefore let everyone
pray to you”. He goes on in verse 9
to indicate how foolish and stubborn the people are who don’t go to God. No
matter how many sins, or how great the sin is, God’s unfailing love will
surround the one who trusts in Him. God’s forgiveness brings life.
From a Psalm of trouble, to a Psalm of forgiveness,
we now go to a Psalm of joy and thanksgiving! The first few verses of this
Psalm are instructive. 1) Sing. 2) Praise the Lord. 3) Make music. 4) Sing. 5)
Play skillfully. Many of us turn on the radio when we get in the car. Sometimes
we sing along, but more often than not our minds turn to what’s bothering us or
things we need to work out. We have iPods full of music, and access to all
kinds of praise and worship songs. Yet, the truth is, even our Christian culture
rarely makes a point to use music to worship on an individual level. We leave
the music to the pastor at church, or the choir, or a few songs we sing (if we
actually sing) on Sunday morning. Yet these verses say to sing and make music!
Sing some more and play your instrument with skill… that means practice!
Practice hard so we can worship better! From verse 4 on the Psalmist gives us
many reasons why the Lord is worthy to be praised. He ends with a commitment of
waiting for the Lord and trusting in Him.
JOURNALING
AND PRAYER
1. When was the last time you poured out your heart to
God? Take a few minutes now to write a letter to God in your journal, or to get
on your knees by your bed or chair to pour out to God all that is going on, the
emotions you are feeling, and what your concerns and fears are. When your heart
has been emptied before the Lord spend a few minutes listening quietly to see
what Jesus wants to say to you. Write down His words in your journal.
2. Ask the Lord to reveal any sin in your heart – either
something you are aware of or has been hidden – for you to confess. Take time
to confess this sin to the Lord and receive His forgiveness. Ask the Lord if
there is anyone you need to confess that sin to, and if so, plan to do it as
soon as possible. Say a prayer of thanks for all you have been forgiven of.
3. Sing
a song of worship to God. If you are not comfortable singing without music,
turn on your favourite worship song and sing along. If this is new and you are
looking for some ideas to get started, you can easily find these songs online: This is Amazing Grace by Phil Wickham, In Christ Alone by Natalie Grant, How Great Thou Art.
Optional:
If music and singing is not something you
are comfortable with, ask the Lord to give you an idea of how you can express
your worship to Him today. Perhaps by serving someone, or working diligently on
a project, or painting/drawing your worship to the Lord. Let the Lord guide you
in how to express your deepest worship of Him.
