READ: Psalms 108-109
Psalm 108 is actually a combination of portions of two other psalms.
Psalm 57:7-11 makes up the first five verses of this Psalm, and Psalm 60:5-12
make up the remaining portion. Considering the psalms are used as songs, the
combination in this psalm of two other psalms would actually make this psalm a
medley. Even today it is a common music style to combine two or more songs with
similar themes or sounds.
The first five verses are words of praise and worship. The Psalmist,
David, makes an interesting statement in verse 2. He says he will awaken the
dawn. He will be up, singing and making music, even before the sun is up. This
is quite a commitment!
David commonly uses music to worship God and to communicate praise to
the Lord. When David praises God he is reminded of God’s great love for him. He
is also reminded of God’s faithfulness. Praise does that. It puts God’s
attributes on display and our perspective can change to align to Him.
Psalm 109 has four parts. The first part (vs. 1-5) is a prayer
explaining what has happened to him. David is sharing his heart with God. God
already knows, but David’s relationship with God is strong in communication. He
not only wants God to know, but wants to talk about it with God. The second
part is a long (vs. 6-20) list of punishments David is asking God to mete out
onto his enemy. The description we see of David’s enemy is clear because he’s
asking God to ruin his enemy and everything he has and does. The third part (vs.
21-29) is a prayer outlining how David wants God to deal with himself. He
describes his position as poor and needy. He calls out for God’s help. The
fifth and final part (vs. 30-31) is a prayer of praise once again.
David is clearly upset by the way he is being treated. He’s been
slandered, hated, attacked, lied to, and lied about. He offered friendship and
was treated like an enemy. He could retaliate and get back at them with word
swords of his own. With his expertise in war he could probably kill his enemy
outright. Yet, he has another more powerful weapon. He says in verse 4, “but I am a man of prayer”. Then he
launches into that prayer. That prayer is the strongest weapon he
has because he is calling on God Almighty to smite his enemy! Prayer positions
both him and his enemy before God and gives Him entrance to the court of the
only Judge who can really do something about the situation.
JOURNALING
AND PRAYER
1.
David, it seems, was up before dawn praising and
worshipping God. Many people do their devotions in the morning, like David, but
others struggle with morning and choose to do it at another time. When do you
do your devotions? Why? Ask the Lord to speak to you about the time of day you
do devotions. Perhaps He wants to challenge you to try a new time, or thank you
for being faithful at the time(s) you are at now, or perhaps He’d like you to
add an additional time. Let the Lord speak to you and encourage you about your
time with Him.
2.
David shares his heart with God. He is open and
vulnerable with Him. Take a few moments now to share with God your deepest
thoughts, worries and emotions. Journal this as a prayer or letter to God. When
you have finished, ask the Lord to give you a word, thought or picture
regarding how He feels about all you shared with Him.
3.
David knew prayer was His best weapon. By telling
his enemy he was a man of prayer he was saying, My dad is bigger than your dad! Do you have a firm belief in prayer
as your best weapon? If so, take time to thank God for the faith to believe. If
not, why not? Ask the Lord to speak to your understanding and heart about His
ability to be your best weapon, best defense and best vindicator. Write down
what He tells you.
